Development of Polymeric Textile Reinforced Concrete Structural Members

The life cycle costs of structural systems are a function of raw materials, labor, energy, environmental impact, serviceability, and durability. Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) using alternative reinforcing systems are cost competitive and have gained popularity among new construction materials. TRC composites are uniquely lightweight with a very high specific strength, stiffness, and ductility that compete and outperform light gage steel and wood products. TRC’s high potential durability and high strength is amenable to continuous production and formability, thus making it highly sustainable. An effective manufacturing technique was developed using automated pultrusion process for efficient production of TRC structural sections. The objective of this study is to develop and characterize the properties of PP based mesh reinforcement. Mechanical properties of textile reinforcement systems are used to justify the use of textiles for use in the production of TRC composite structural sections. Test results of flexural and tension specimens are discussed in terms of closed loop test results as well as Digital Imgae Correlation (DIC) technique. The study indicates that PP-TRC composites with 4% (representing both warp and weft directions) textile volume fraction can reach maximum tensile strength of 11 MPa with strain capacity of 23%. Flexural samples show an apparent flexural strength of 40 MPa and deflection capacity of up to 40 mm for a flexural sample on a span of 254 mm.