Bond behavior of Galvanized Steel Mesh to concrete

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation conducted to study the bond strength between Galvanized Steel Mesh (GSM) sheets and concrete surfaces via mortar and epoxy adhesives. Epoxy and cement mortar adhesives are used to externally bond the GSM sheets to concrete prisms. The GSM sheets bonded length was chosen to be 200 mm in length which represents 40% of the prism's length. Three-point bending tests are conducted on the tested specimens and load-deflection response are recorded along the with associated capacity and failure modes. Epoxy and cement mortar bonded specimens failed in cohesive and adhesive modes, respectively. The strengthened specimen bonded with cement mortar was 40% less effective as compared to that bonded with epoxy adhesives. The ductility and strength of the epoxy bonded specimen was significantly higher than the specimens bonded with cement mortar.