Kunal Mayekar
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Structural elements in deteriorated or overloaded infrastructure often require rehabilitation to restore strength, stiffness, and serviceability. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have emerged as a versatile solution, offering high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, ease of installation, and minimal intervention compared to traditional methods. This manuscript reviews rehabilitation techniques employing FRP composites as of 2015, focusing on externally bonded reinforcement, near-surface mounting, and prestressed applications. Through detailed case studies of bridge girders, columns, and slabs, key research gaps are identified, guiding methodology formulation. Laboratory and field investigations demonstrate performance improvements in load capacity, crack control, and durability. Results indicate that FRP retrofitting can achieve up to 50% increases in flexural capacity and significant enhancements in shear resistance without compromising ductility. Remaining challenges include long-term behavior under sustained loads, bond durability in aggressive environments, and standardized design provisions.
Keywords
FRP composites, structural rehabilitation, externally bonded reinforcement, near-surface mounting, prestressing
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