Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have gained increasing recognition and application in the field of civil engineering in recent decades due to their notable mechanical properties and chemical resistance. However, FRP composites may also be affected by harsh environmental conditions (e.g., water, alkaline solutions, saline solutions, elevated temperature) and exhibit mechanical phenomena (e.g., creep rupture, fatigue, shrinkage) that could affect the performance of the FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete (FRP-RSC) elements. This paper presents the current state-of-the-art on the key environmental and mechanical conditions affecting the durability and mechanical properties of the main FRP composites used in reinforced concrete (RC) structures (i.e., Glass/vinyl-ester FRP bars and Carbon/epoxy FRP fabrics for internal and external application, respectively). The most likely sources and their effects on the physical/mechanical properties of FRP composites are highlighted herein. In general, no more than 20% tensile strength was reported in the literature for the different exposures without combined effects. Additionally, some provisions for the serviceability design of FRP-RSC elements (e.g., environmental factors, creep reduction factor) are examined and commented upon to understand the implications of the durability and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the differences in serviceability criteria for FRP and steel RC elements are highlighted. Through familiarity with their behavior and effects on enhancing the long-term performance of RSC elements, it is expected that the results of this study will help in the proper use of FRP materials for concrete structures.
Keywords: CFRP fabrics; FRP composites; GFRP bars; durability; environmental effects; mechanical properties; serviceability; thermoset composites.