Experimental Assessment of the Effect of Temperature in the Range of 20–80 °C on Structural Behaviour of NSM CFRP Reinforced Concrete Slabs

The near-surface mounted (NSM) technique with carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites has been proven to be one of the most effective alternatives for the flexural strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (RC) members. However, several issues remain unresolved, including the effects of elevated temperatures on the performance of these strengthened RC elements. This study experimentally investigates the mechanical performance of RC slabs strengthened with NSM-CFRP systems under elevated temperatures, using both (i) steady-state and (ii) transient heating under applied loads. The steady-state tests were conducted at 20, 40, 50, 70, and 80 °C, while the transient tests were performed at 20 and 80 °C. Deflections, strains, temperatures and loads were registered during the heating phase and during the flexural tests up to failure. These measurements were used to analyse the system response in terms of load–deflection curves, evolution of concrete and CFRP strains, and bond stresses between the epoxy adhesive and CFRP. At 80 °C, the NSM-CFRP-strengthened RC slabs exhibited an average reduction of 12.1% (steady-state) and 2.3% (transient) in ultimate strength. Moreover, the concrete crushing failure mode governed up to 70 °C, despite passing the epoxy’s glass transition temperature (54 °C), while cohesive failure of the adhesive governed the failure at 80 °C.