Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a composite material composed of carbon fibers and polymers. Carbon fiber provides strength and stiffness, while the polymer acts as a bonding matrix that holds the fibers together. CFRP is made into strips, bars and sheets using different production techniques (such as filament winding, pultrusion and hand-laying processes).

CFRP material has good rigidity, high strength, low density, corrosion resistance, vibration resistance, high ultimate strain, high fatigue resistance and low thermal conductivity. They are poor conductors and are non-magnetic.

CFRP provides remedies for many problems related to the deterioration and strengthening of infrastructure such as bridges and buildings. The use of CFRP reinforcement in new concrete can eliminate potential corrosion problems and greatly increase the structural strength of the component.

The effective use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers can significantly increase the life of the structure, thereby minimizing maintenance requirements.

CFRP characteristics

Alkali resistant.

Corrosion resistance, which is why it is used for corrosion control and repair of reinforced concrete structures.

Its thermal conductivity is low.

CFRP has a high strength-to-weight ratio, eliminating the need for heavy construction equipment and support structures.

It requires shorter curing times. Therefore, the application takes less time. This has greatly reduced project duration and structural downtime.

CFRP has high ultimate strain

High fatigue resistance. As a result, they do not degrade, which eases the need for frequent maintenance.

CFRP is a poor conductor and is non-magnetic.

Thanks to its light weight, prefabricated components in CFRP can be easily transported. Therefore, this encourages prefabricated buildings and reduces labor costs and capital investment requirements for on-site erection.

Application of CFRP in concrete structures

1. CFRP plate

There are many techniques for using CFRP strips, laminates to reinforce concrete structures, such as externally bonded CFRP panels and near surface mounted FRP. The performance of the strengthening method depends on the strength of the adhesive bonding CFRP to the concrete surface and the degree of stress at the interface between concrete and CFRP.

CFRP is used to strengthen steel highway bridges more easily and cheaply. CFRP strips are only 20% of the weight of similar product strips made of high-strength steel, but at least four times stronger. Their high strength-to-weight ratio makes CFRP strips easy to handle and reduces installation costs. 

2. CFRP wrap

CFRP wrapping materials are used to repair masonry columns. CFRP wrapping materials are used for corrosion control and repair of reinforced concrete columns. They are also used to build seismic structures.

The addition of CFRP sheet has greatly improved the ultimate flexural capacity of the improved shear wall. However, in order for the FRP sheet to withstand high axial loads due to the bending moment applied to the shear wall, the CFRP sheet must be fully anchored to the bottom of the wall.

Horse Construction is a leading manufacturer of CFRP wrap and CFRP plate, the performance and price are relatively good. Our carbon fiber materials has been applied to 7000+ projects, welcome to buy our materials.