Hygrothermal aging of steel/FRP pipe repair systems: A literature review

• Published in: The International journal of pressure vessels and piping Vol. 201; p. 104881
• Main Authors: Vieira, Priscilla S.C., da Silva, Geovane A.S., Lopes, Bruno J., D'Almeida, José R.M., da Silva, Antonio Henrique, Cardoso, Daniel C.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2023
• Subjects: Durability; Environmental degradation; Pipeline repair; Polymer-matrix composites; Steel/FRP joints; Polymer-matrix composites; Durability; Pipeline repair; Steel/FRP joints; Environmental degradation
• ISSN: 0308-0161; 1879-3541
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpvp.2022.104881

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) have rapidly gained acceptance as a permanent repair material for damaged steel pipelines in oil and gas industry within the last few years, due to many advantages such as lower cost, possibility of repairing during operation and superior properties and corrosion resistance. However, several works have shown that these composites may undergo degradation with time mainly associated to water absorption, which is currently not addressed properly in design codes. This literature review intends to gather information and present the relevant aspects of hygrothermal aging of FRP and steel/FRP systems. Covered topics including: i) water ingress mechanisms; ii) damage formation/propagation in polymers and FRP; and iii) FRP's property retention and its interface with metallic substrates. Whenever possible, phenomenological Arrhenius models calibrated on available experimental results are presented as guidance. Gaps in the knowledge are identified throughout the work and some research needs and challenges are presented and discussed. •Water ingress mechanisms in FRP materials are discussed.•Mechanical and physical degradation of FRP systems are presented.•Aging mechanisms in steel/FRP joints are discussed.•Models for water uptake and for property retention based on literature results are proposed.•Gaps in the knowledge, research needs and challenges are highlighted.