Carbon fiber reinforced concrete is used for structural strengthening of weaker concrete members, like concrete columns, beams, etc. The process of carbon wrapping for columns or Carbon fiber reinforced concrete or beams uses structural carbon fiber. Carbon fiber reinforced concrete has an improved load carrying capacity. Carbon fiber reinforced concrete in India is prevalent presently as it provides a cost effective solution in comparison with concrete jacketing, post tensioning, etc. Using carbon wrapping for columns reinforcing bars in new concrete can eliminate potential corrosion problems and substantially increase a member’s structural strength.
Carbon wrapping for columns this strengthening technique causes minimum disturbance to the structural members as compared to conventional methods. Effective use of carbon fiber reinforced Concrete or polymer could significantly increase the life of structures, minimizing the maintenance requirements. Carbon wrapping for columns are resistant to corrosion; hence they are used for corrosion control and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures. Carbon fiber reinforced Concrete and Carbon wrapping for columns is also widely used to strengthen concrete structures.
Strengthen Concrete Structures with Carbon Fibre Wrapping
Concrete is widely used in construction because it can be easily cast into required shape. However, concrete has its own shortcomings which later affect the strength and quality of the structure. Concrete is weak in tension and hence, when subject to extreme weather conditions, seismic frequencies or extra load, it gradually develops cracks and weakens the structure.
Repairs, rehabilitation and retrofitting of concrete structures can be achieved through with the Carbon Wrapping for columns system.
Concept
In order to increase the compressive, flexural and shear strength of the structure, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Concrete (CFRP)is wrapped along with resin on the structure. Although there are many fibre wrapping systems available, Carbon Fibers are the most preferred ones for the FRP composites.
Carbon Wrapping for columns or Carbon Fiber Reinforced Concrete is widely applied in various construction categories for building maintenance or concrete structure strengthening which includes; Residential structures, Industrial structures, Commercial properties, for Industrial Chimneys and Bridges.
Usage
Here we shall understand the various situations where Carbon Fiber Reinforced Concrete structures are preferred and how versatile this system is.
- When constructing a floor rise above a stilt or a putting up additional floors above a ground floor / bungalow, the strengthening of beams and columns is mandatory, to be able to hold the weight of the new structure. FRP Carbon wrapping on the base columns is the most established and proven technique to strengthen the concrete structure and build higher floors.
- After a slab cast, if the 28 days cube of columns fails, then carbon fibre wrapping system is implemented to repair and achieve desired strength.
- In places that experience seismic activities or tremors, FRP wrapping is very crucial retrofitting of concrete structures and make them earthquake resistant.
- At times, depending on the demand, people tend to convert residential properties to commercial. The changed load pattern that now falls on the structure makes it imperative to strengthen the structure to sustain the new and increased capacity. Here also carbon fibre wrapping is a proven technique.
- Most common use of FRP is done to strengthen industrial structures that are subject to heavy loading and machinery vibrations.
- In areas of extreme climatic conditions or high humidity, the structures are reinforced and the damage from environmental elements can be mitigated with the help of Carbon Fibre Wrapping.
- Similarly, in case of structural repairs, or if there are deflections in the structure, when the beams and columns begin to sag, or cutting out in an RCC wall, or repairing a faulty structure, carbon fibre wrapping is the most preferred system of aligning and strengthening.
Installation Procedure:
Carbon has the higher quality, tensile strength, and durability compared with glass fiber-based systems. There are prefabricated FRP in the market in the form of bars, plates, etc. which are mostly used for surfaces that are stiff or curved. Continuous Rolls are used for wrapping.
The Process:
- The process begins with Surface preparation and cleaning the concrete. This is done with water-blasting.
- These sheets are wrapped using an adhesive that could be a primer. This is optional and chosen considering load and structural properties. Primer essentially creates a strong bond between the concrete substrate and the FRP.
- An epoxy saturant is used to smoothen the surface and saturate the FRP wrap.
- Next step is to wrap the Carbon Fibre sheets. These come in varied thicknesses like 200gsm, 300gsm, 400gsm and 600gsm. The choice is made considering the nature of the concrete, the purpose of the structure, load etc.
- Another layer of saturant is applied over the wrap in order to reinforce the carbon fibre wrapping with the concrete structure.
- Carbon Fibre Wrapping requires special expertise, extreme efficiency and perfection at all steps, especially in terms of product quality and implementation.
