Composite-Concrete Interface Characterization by Lamb Waves

In recent years, significant attention is being paid to the nation’s dilapidated infrastructure. Examples of such structures include buildings that need to be retrofitted to resist seismic loads, bridges that must be strengthened to carry heavier traffic loads and concrete water and sewer pipes that have deteriorated due to corrosions. In most of these cases, the capacity of these structures can be increased by the introduction of additional tension-carrying materials. While steel has been traditionally used for such applications, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) materials have been increasingly replacing steel in the last decade. The high tensile strength and corrosion resistance of FRPs make them an ideal substitute for steel.</p