Potential failure mechanisms of bonded composite repairs for metal and concrete

The objective of the present paper is to clarify the potential failure mechanisms of composite repairs and thereby assist in the development of a certification methodology for both civil and aircraft structures. In this context it is shown that interlaminar failure, in the case of composite repairs to aircraft structures, and shear failure in the concrete, in the case of repairs to degraded concrete structures, can often drive the design process. This phenomena is highlighted by considering a range of recent failures associated with the repairs to civil structures, i.e. bridges, concrete structures and chimney's, etc., and also to aeronautical structural components.