An CFRP fabrics as internal reinforcement in concrete beams

This paper presents preliminary results of an experimental programme that investigated mechanical properties of a balanced-symmetric CFRP fabric laminate. Although FRP fabrics have potential to be formed into efficient reinforcement systems that can enable the development of innovative low embodied energy concrete structures, very little research on applications of FRP fabrics has been reported in the literature. In accordance with the classical laminate theory, in a balanced-symmetric laminate there is no coupling between in-plane deformation and curvature, nor between in-plane normal loading and shear deformation. As a result of the choice of lay-up arrangement the flexural reinforcement systems in concrete beams can be designed by considering the conventional section equilibrium analysi