ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST

Professor Kageyama is a leading Japanese researcher in the area of composites characterization and damage mechanics. His recent research has emphasized three critical aspects related to rehabilitation of concrete structures using composites:

• Development of a comprehensive fracture mechanics based model to evaluate performance of composite retrofitted beams, including crack growth and debonding using a stress-intensity and energy release rate based method
• Assessment of the effect of environmental exposure on bond characteristics using small mortar based flexural beams
• Development of a technique of non-destructive evaluation of composite retrofitted concrete beams using acoustic emission technology

The combination of the three studies may lead to the development of a more comprehensive understanding of the role of the external reinforcement and its interaction with the pre-existing beam. It could also lead to the use of an efficient and economical health-monitoring system which, in turn, could lead to a greater acceptance of composites based retrofit strategies. Tonen Corp. is paying close attention to this research. It will be the basis for future development of materials systems and design approaches. Within the Japanese academic system such close interaction is rare and indicates a high level of trust and esteem for the professor by industry representatives.

Other research in the laboratory emphasizes 3 areas:

1. The use of thin fabric mesh reinforced cement mortar as structural elements
2. The characterization of damage progression in composites using combined mechanical-imaging techniques
3. The fracture of interlayer composites using an approach applicable to the fundamental understanding of the bond characteristics between concrete and composites