Carbon Fiber Concrete Reinforcing

Precast concrete technology replaces steel with carbon fiber to produce thinner panels, Building Design & Construction, 02-02, reports on the use of carbon fiber reinforcing in wall panels and double tees to produce precast units that are up to 66% lighter and one-third thinner than conventional units. The reduced weight and size of these units can contribute to cost savings in transportation, erection, and the building superstructure.

According to the article, primary reinforcing in the precast units is steel, while a 1 mm (0.04 inch) high-strength, resin-bonded carbon fiber grid is used for secondary and shear transfer reinforcing. The carbon fiber reinforcing requires only 1/4 inch of concrete cover, compared with 3/4 inch to 3 inches of cover required for conventional steel.

More Information
Altus Group, CarbonCast Brochure