After years of service, the durability of FRP-concrete bond in structures strengthened using FRPs remains uncertain. To investigate the durability of FRP-concrete bond, four in-service bridges in Canada strengthened using externally bonded FRPs were studied. To measure the integrity of the bond, mechanical pull-off tests were performed. In some cases, infrared thermography was used to detect debonding. Results indicate that thermography is an excellent way of detecting debonding between FRP and concrete. Bond is noted to be strongly influenced by the placement technique, exposure severity, location on the bridge, and type of loading. Generally speaking, while the bond in most instances is fairly good, in some cases, a severe deterioration in bond has occurred. This is a cause for concern.

The LENTON® THERMO Balcony System is designed to help eliminate the energy loss and potential condensation and mold growth associated with thermal bridging at slab-to-balcony and slab-to-wall connections. Because of the system’s modular design, balcony elements can be shifted as required to clear obstructions, and the connecting reinforcing bars can be installed after the installation of the balcony elements. Although the modular elements are very thin, they have extremely low thermal conductivities because they incorporate glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars as load-carrying components and vacuum-insulated panels as insulation components.