Theme 5 (1995-1999):
Advanced Composites and Integrated Sensing for Rehabilitation
Director: Dr. Kenneth Neale, Université de Sherbrooke
Dr. Kenneth Neale launched Theme 5 in 1995 as its first Director. The objective was to develop advanced rehabilitation, strengthening and field monitoring technology for reinforced concrete structures based on a unique combination of corrosion-resistant advanced composite materials and integrated fibre optic structural sensing. Research was already underway to:
- Develop and optimize smart patch technology appropriate for the rehabilitation and strengthening of structures using advanced composite materials (ACM).
- Rehabilitate concrete structures and bridges using FRP sheets.
- Identify the optimal location of fibre optic sensors in order to assess the behaviour of concrete structural elements strengthened with FRP.
- Develop rehabilitation and remote monitoring techniques using a smart wrap system for bridge columns with corrosion damage.
- Use accelerated corrosion techniques to study the effects of smart wrap on repaired structures.
- Develop a smart wrap technique for cold region environments.
- Conduct field demonstrations of intelligent bridge rehabilitation and strengthening technology.
- Examine the effects of long-term loading on strengthened bridges.
The following group of projects formed the detailed research program of Theme 5 when it commenced in 1995.
Smart Patch Technology (T5.1)
Project Leader: Dr.
J. Hansen, University of
Toronto
Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Concrete Structures (T5.2)
Project Leader: Dr. Pierre Labossière, Université de
Sherbrooke
 Frontenac Power Plant Field Demo
Saint Etienne-de-Bolton Field Demo
Université de Sherbrooke Field Demo
Webster Parkade Field Demo
Smart Wraps for Corrosion Repair and Monitoring (T5.3)
Project Leader: Dr. John Bonacci, University of
Toronto
Smart ACM Wraps for Cold Regions Applications (T5.4)
Project Leader: Dr. Mark Green,
Queen's University
Field Demonstrations of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Bridges (T5.5)
Project Leader: Dr. Roger Cheng, University of
Alberta
The research within the foregoing projects was organized so that, collectively, the results of the joint undertaking would achieve the objectives of the initial Theme 5, as outlined in the foregoing Theme Overview provided on this web site.
Achievements within Theme 5 by the spring of 1997 were as follows:
- Fibre optic sensors were successfully used in composite patches applied to concrete structures to provide information on the cure cycle and to monitor the patch integrity.
- Rehabilitation of the St. Étienne-de-Bolton overpass using composite materials.
- Integrated innovative measurement systems using fibre optics in composite repairs.
- Rehabilitation of a concrete pier of the Champlain Bridge in Montreal to restore initial strength of the structure and protect the concrete and rebars from corrosion, especially in the tidal range.
- Rehabilitation of a multi-storey garage using new materials to demonstrate their effectiveness in strengthening and protecting the structure, increasing its life cycle.
- Successfully installed and operated long gauge fibre optic sensors to monitor column expansion during accelerated corrosion.
- Showed the effectiveness of carbon FRP sheets for repairing columns subjected to cold environments.
- Bridge strengthened for shear and monitoring of long term performance.
Completed Research 1995 to 2006
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