Effect of environmental conditions on the characteristics of GFRP plates using non-destructive testing techniques

Mohammed-Amin Boumehraz; Kamel Goudjil; Brahim Baali; Mekki Mellas; Achref Hamaidia; Djamel Djeghader; Farida Boucetta

doi:10.35784/bud-arch.6447

Open full text

PDF

Published: Jun 25, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.6447

Issue Vol. 24 No. 2 (2025)

Articles

Problems of introducing the betterment levy
Oliwia Nowakowska, Agnieszka Pęska-Siwik, Kamil Maciuk

005-019
Adhesion analysis between geopolymer and mineral-asphalt composite
Krzysztof Granatyr

021-032
Developing an integrated cadastre model of land and real estate in a single setting in Ukraine: key aspects and problems
Nazar Stupen, Mariia Melnyk

033-044
Evaluation of the orientation of residential buildings in Mashhad based on direct solar radiation reception
Mostafa Habibi, Mohammadhossein Azizibabani

045-056
Comprehensive material activation of concrete structures
Oksana Korobko, Valerii Vyrovoy, Iryna Grynyova, Pavlo Vegera

057-073
Durability assessment of bio-based self-compacting sand concrete with recycled granite aggregate waste against chloride and sulphate attacks
Hadjadj Moussa , Mohamed Guendouz, Djamila Boukhelkhal

075-094
An overview of radiation exposure effects on concrete in nuclear power plants
Karol Skiba, Roman Kinasz

095-110
Abilities and limitations in counteracting urban heat islands
Michał Musiał, Anna Pomykała, Lech Lichołai

111-131
Influence of urban changes on the efficiency of ventilation paths
Katarzyna Klemm, Weronika Chojna, Anna Dominika Bochenek

133-156
Analysis of the current state of the compositional ensemble of Yerevan's central square: challenges and proposed solutions
Zhora Sagaryan, Karen Azatyan

157-189
Mechanical strength and environmental impacts of eco-self-compacting mortar containing dune sand in the Oued-Souf region of Algeria as cementitious materials
Moussa Hadjadj, Youcef Toumi, Selma Lounis, Merouane Guettioui

191-206
Effect of environmental conditions on the characteristics of GFRP plates using non-destructive testing techniques
Mohammed-Amin Boumehraz, Kamel Goudjil, Brahim Baali, Mekki Mellas, Achref Hamaidia, Djamel Djeghader, Farida Boucetta

207-217
The relationship between thermal insulation and heat source in shaping the energy efficiency of residential buildings: a case study of Poland
Aneta Biała

219-233

DOI

https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.6447

Authors

Mohammed-Amin Boumehraz

boumehraz.m.a@univ-jijel.dz

Laboratory of Research in Civil Engineering (LRGC); University of Biskra;, Algeria

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2965-4560

Kamel Goudjil

k.goudjil@univ-soukahras.dz

Laboratory INFRARES; Department of Civil Engineering; Mohamed-Cherif Messaadia University of Souk Ahras; , Algeria

Brahim Baali

b.baali@univ-boumerdes.dz

Materials, Processes and Environment Research Unit (MPERU); University of Boumerdes;, Algeria

Mekki Mellas

m.mellas@univ-biskra.dz

Laboratory of Research in Civil Engineering (LRGC); University of Biskra;, Algeria

Achref Hamaidia

achref.hamaidia@univ-jijel.dz

Laboratory of Civil Engineering and Environment (LCEE); University of Jijel;, Algeria

Djamel Djeghader

djameldjeghader@centre-univ-mila.dz

Civil and Hydraulic Engineering Department; Abdel Hafid Boussouf University Center;, Algeria

Farida Boucetta

farida.boucetta@univ-jijel.dz

Laboratory of Physics of Thin Films and Applications; University of Biskra;, Algeria

Abstract

Glass fibre-reinforced polyester (GFRP) is widely used in industries such as aerospace, civil engineering and railway transportation due to its high specific strength, high specific modulus and excellent fatigue resistance. In civil engineering, GFRP is particularly employed for applications such as rebars, girders and other structural components. The objective of this research is to study the evolution of mechanical, physical and chemical properties of GFRP sheets using non-destructive testing methods, including the Barcol hardness test, water absorption test, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. These square-shaped GFRP sheets are manufactured through contact moulding and consist of isophthalic resins, glass fibres and additives such as catalysts and accelerators. These samples are exposed to three different environments: in the laboratory (control specimens), in potable water and in seawater. Laboratory tests are conducted on the GFRP samples at 30, 90, 180 and 365 days. The results indicate a significant decrease in hardness across all preserved samples. This reduction in GFRP rigidity can be attributed to water or moisture absorption, as evidenced by the obtained results. Furthermore, no changes in the chemical composition were observed on the surface of the tested samples. Finally, the matrix/glass fibre bond remains in good condition, despite this material being exposed to a humid and/or sulphate-rich environment for one year.

Keywords:

glass fibres, GFRP, seawater, infrared test, isophthalic resins

References

[1] Osa-Uwagboe N., Udu A. G., Ghalati M. K., Silberschmidt V. V., Aremu A., Dong H., Demirci, E., “A machine learning-enabled prediction of damage properties for fiber-reinforced polymer composites under out-of-plane loading”, Engineering Structures, 308, (2024), 117970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.117970 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.117970

[2] Lopato P.,”Double-sided terahertz imaging of multilayered glass fiber-reinforced polymer”, Applied Sciences, 7(7), (2017), 661. https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070661 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070661

[3] Osa-Uwagboe N., Udu A. G., Silberschmidt V. V., Baxevanakis K. P., Demirci E., “Damage assessment of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic structures under quasi-static indentation with acoustic emission”, Materials, 16(14), (2023), 5036. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16145036 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16145036

[4] Rajak D. K., Wagh P. H., Linul, E., “Manufacturing technologies of carbon/glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites and their properties: A review”, Polymers, 13(21), (2021), 3721. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213721 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213721

[5] Li X., Ge J., Zhang B., Liu X., Wang L., Liu S., Liang J., “X-ray computed tomography study of compressive failure in a notched unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced composite”, Polymer Testing, 130, (2024), 108307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2023.108307 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2023.108307

[6] Das S. K., Roy, S., “Finite element analysis of aircraft wing using carbon fiber reinforced polymer and glass fiber reinforced polymer”, In IOP conference series: Materials science and engineering, 402(1), (2018), 012077. IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/402/1/012077 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/402/1/012077

[7] Hasan M. M., Islam M. A., Hassan T., “Analysis of jute-glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composite”, Heliyon, 10(24), (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40924 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40924

[8] Chalmers D. W., “The potential for the use of composite materials in marine structures”, Marine structures, 7(2-5), (1994), 441-456. https://doi.org/10.1016/0951-8339(94)90034-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0951-8339(94)90034-5

[9] Adrian P. P., Gheorghe B. M., “Manufacturing process and applications of composite materials”, Fascicle of management and technological engineering, 9(19), (2010), 3-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15660/AUOFMTE.2010-3.2047

[10] Chen J., Yu Z., Jin, H., “Nondestructive testing and evaluation techniques of defects in fiber-reinforced polymer composites: A review”, Frontiers in Materials, 9, (2022), 986645. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.986645 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.986645

[11] Jamil J., Yusup E. M., Osman S. A., “Non-destructive testing (NDT) method for defect detection in glass fibre reinforced plastic/polymer (GFRP/GRP) composite materials structures: A review”, Journal of Advanced Research in Micro and Nano Engineering, 17(1), (2024), 76-95. https://doi.org/10.37934/armne.17.1.7695 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37934/armne.17.1.7695

[12] Han Z., Liu Y., Wu X., Oh D., Jang J., “Ultrasonic non-destructive inspection method for glass fibre reinforcement polymer (GFRP) hull plates considering design and construction characteristics”, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part M: Journal of Engineering for the Maritime Environment, 239(1), (2025), 156-165. https://doi.org/10.1177/14750902241245539 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14750902241245539

[13] Zhao Z., Li M., Liu Y., Wang A., Zhou B., Hu J., “Structural health monitoring of glass fiber-reinforced polymer laminates with carbon nanotube-coated glass fiber sensing layer after low-velocity impact using electrical resistance tomography”, Nanomaterials, 14(17), (2024), 1462. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171462 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171462

[14] Pałka N., Kamiński K., Maciejewski M., Dragan K., Synaszko P., “Automatic histogram-based defect detection in glass fibre reinforced polymer composites using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy reflection imaging”, Optics and Lasers in Engineering, 174, (2024), 107959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. optlaseng.2023.107959 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlaseng.2023.107959

[15] Sathishkumar T. P., Satheeshkumar S., Naveen, J. “Glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites–a review”, Journal of reinforced plastics and composites, 33(13), (2014), 1258-1275. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684414530790 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684414530790

[16] Bazli M., Zhao X. L., Jafari A., Ashrafi H., Raman R. S., Bai Y., Khezrzadeh H, “Durability of glass-fibre-reinforced polymer composites under seawater and sea-sand concrete coupled with harsh outdoor environments”, Advances in Structural Engineering, 24(6), (2021), 1090-1109. https://doi.org/10.1177/1369433220947897 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1369433220947897

[17] Yang S., Chu M., Chen F., Fu M., Lv Y., Xiao Z., Feng N., Song Y., Li J., “Effect of different environmental conditions on durabilities of polyester-and vinylester-based glass-fiber-reinforced polymer pultruded profiles”, Frontiers in Materials, 9, (2022), 862872. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.862872 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.862872

[18] Fan Y., Gomez A., Ferraro S., Pinto B., Muliana A., Saponara V. L., “Diffusion of water in glass fiber reinforced polymer composites at different temperatures”, Journal of Composite Materials, 53(8), (2019), 1097-1110. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998318796155 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998318796155

[19] Aldajah S., Alawsi G., Abdul Rahmaan S., “Impact of sea and tap water exposure on the durability of GFRP laminates”, Materials and Design, 30, (2009), 1835–1840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2008.07.044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2008.07.044

[20] Strait L. H., Karasek M. L., Amateau M. F., “Effects of seawater immersion on the impact resistance of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites”, Journal of Composite Materials, 26(14), (1992), 2118-2133. https://doi.org/10.1177/002199839202601407 . DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/002199839202601407

[21] Călin C., Diniță A., Brănoiu G., Popovici D. R., Tănase M., Sirbu E. E., Portoacă A. I., Mihai S., “Assessment of environmental impact on glass-fiber-reinforced polymer pipes mechanical and thermal properties”, Polymers, 16(13), (2024), 1779. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131779 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131779

[22] Al-Zahrani M. M., “Generational advancements in the transverse shear strength retention of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars in alkaline and acidic environments”, Polymers, 16(19), (2024), 2712. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192712 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192712

[23] Duo Y., Liu X., Liu Y., Tafsirojjaman T., Sabbrojjaman M., “Environmental impact on the durability of FRP reinforcing bars”, Journal of Building Engineering, 43, (2021), 102909. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102909 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102909

[24] Vizentin G., Vukelic G., “Failure analysis of FRP composites exposed to real marine environment”, Procedia Structural Integrity, 37, (2022), 233-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostr.2022. 01.079 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostr.2022.01.079

[25] Kim M. G., Kang S. G., Kim C. G., Kong C. W., “Tensile response of graphite/epoxy composites at low temperatures”, Composite Structures, 79(1), (2007), 84-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2005.11.031 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2005.11.031

[26] Phifer S. P., “Hygrothermal evaluation of pultruded polymer composite laminates – experimentation, analysis, and prediction”. Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Tech. (2003).

[27] Ray B.C., Rathore D., “Durability and integrity studies of environmentally conditioned interfaces in fibrous polymeric composites: critical concepts and comments”, Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 209, (2014), 68-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2013.12.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2013.12.014

[28] Aditya P. K., Sinha P. K., “Diffusion coefficients of polymeric composites subjected to periodic hygrothermal exposure”, Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 11(9), (1992), 1035-1047. https://doi.org/10.1177/073168449201100904 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/073168449201100904

[29] Boumehraz M. A., Goudjil K., Mellas M., Hamaidia A., Boucetta F., Baali B., “Mechanical behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polyester in a humid environment”, Studies in Engineering and Exact Sciences, 5(2), (2024), e6274-e6274. https://doi.org/10.54021/seesv5n2-066 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54021/seesv5n2-066

[30] Fiche technique, “Résine polyester insaturée”, POLRES, Usine de GEPOS Bolgesi, 12, Cadde 34, Sok Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey.

[31] Norme ISO 1268-2., “Fibre-reinforced plastics, methods of producing test plates, part 2: contact and spray-up moulding”, Edited by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), (2001).

[32] Norme ISO 584., “Plastics, unsaturated-polyester resins, determination of reactivity at 80 degrees C”, Edited by ISO, (1982).

[33] Norme ISO 2535., “Plastics, unsaturated-polyester resins, measurement of gel time at ambient temperature”, Edited by ISO, (2001).

[34] Norme ASTM D2583-13a., “Standard test method for indentation hardness of rigid plastics by means of a barcol impressor”, Edited by ASTM, United States American (USA), (2013).

[35] Norme ASTM C 413-01., “Standard test method for absorption of chemical-resistant mortars, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes”, Edited by ASTM, United States American (USA), (2001).

Boumehraz, M.-A. (2025) “Effect of environmental conditions on the characteristics of GFRP plates using non-destructive testing techniques”, Budownictwo i Architektura, 24(2), pp. 207–217. doi: 10.35784/bud-arch.6447.

Effect of environmental conditions on the characteristics of GFRP plates using non-destructive testing techniques

Issue Vol. 24 No. 2 (2025)

Archives

DOI

Authors

Abstract

Keywords:

References

License

Article Sidebar

Issue Vol. 24 No. 2 (2025)

Archives

Main Article Content

DOI

Authors

Abstract

Keywords:

References

Article Details

License