Flexible Fiber Fabric for FRP-Concrete Connection of Thin Hybrid Slabs

In order to combat corrosion issues, several studies on progressively replacing steel reinforcement elements with composite ones have been conducted in recent years. Hybrid steel-concrete thin slabs in which the steel acts as formwork are also candidates for update in the coming years. Achieving a reliable connection between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and cast-in-place concrete is key to promoting this technology. This study analyzed different connection systems and proposes the novel approach of embedding a flexible fiber fabric as a superficially distributed connector between concrete and FRP. Eight specimens with four different connection strategies were tested using an experimental modal analysis and a quasi-static three-point bending test. The impact of the connection system on the vibrational response, flexural ultimate load, moment response, neutral axis position, shear and dissipated energy was obtained and compared. The results show that the use of an embedded mesh increases the frictional mechanism and produces the best performance in terms of load-bearing capacity and ductility.