Abstract
This paper examines the effectiveness of a high and an ultrahigh modulus carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite prepreg, both of which have been specifically developed for the civil engineering industry. A film adhesive, compatible with the matrix material of the CFRP composite, has been introduced. The bonding characteristics of this film adhesive have been compared with those of a standard two-part adhesive - widely used in the construction industry - with those of a two-part adhesive - frequently used for high-grade bonding applications in the aerospace industry. The results have shown that when bonding carbon fiber composites to steel, the film adhesive has more favorable characteristics compared to those of the standard civil engineering adhesive, though the high-grade, and higher-cost, aerospace adhesive has superior bonding qualities. It has also been demonstrated that a good understanding of the full load-deformation response of relevant joints, including load-strain and load-extension characteristics, as well as failure mode characterization, is essential. © 2006 ASCE.