Influence of the use of external carbon fiber reinforcement on the flexural behavior of prismatic concrete test specimens. An application for repairing of deteriorated agricultural structures

Abstract

This manuscript reports a study of the capacity of polymer composites to increase flexural strength in concrete. The polymer composites reinforced with carbon fiber and bonded with epoxy adhesive were used in prismatic test specimens of mass concrete corresponding to two different morphologies. The aim was to simulate the restoration of deteriorating concrete agricultural structures in order to explore the viability of this alternative against replacing them. An increase was found in the strength of the elements tested, with a higher strength being observed in those test specimens presenting a modified geometry.