CFRP strengthening of concrete beams - testing in sub-zero temperature

Strengthening structures with epoxy bonded Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) plates and sheets are today a well-known and over the world common used method to improve a structure performance. The composite materials used for strengthening are very light and easy to handle,. have good durability and do not normally need to be maintained over time. However, disadvantages might be mechanical damage and long term properties. There is also a question regarding the behaviour of CFRP strengthen structures in cold climates, for example will the structure behave more brittle during the winter compared to the summer period? In this paper the last issue will be addressed. CFRP strengthen concrete beams have been tested in sub-zero temperature and loaded up to failure. The cold climate tests are then compared with similar beams tested in room climate. From the tests no significantly difference between the beams tested in sub-zero and room temperatures could be found.