A Bibliometric Analysis of Interfacial Bond Strength in Concrete Overlay Retrofitting: Trends and Methods

This study seeks to establish the interfacial bond between the concrete overlay and the existing substrate as one of the key factors in retrofitting by assessing different surface preparation techniques, bonding materials, and concrete overlay mixes to improve on the concrete structures’ performance. Accompanied by experimental research, a bibliometric analysis of the last two decades employing VOSviewer software unveiled publication inclination, co-authorship network, and keyword co-occurrence of concrete overlay retrofitting, which helped to identify the new research clusters of the subject experiment. Experimental studies prove that adequate surface preparation and suitable adhesive systems mean that interfacial adhesion strength increases, and delamination does not occur, thus extending the service life of retrofitted structures. The proposed approach, based on the bibliometric analysis and accompanied by experimental research, gives the state-of-the-art review while highlighting the suggested use of data-driven strategies in engineers’ practices in the field of structural rehabilitation and civil engineering.