Carbon Fibre Grids Replace Steel as Concrete Reinforcement

The three-dimensional carbon fibre reinforcement newly developed by SGL Group and V. FRAAS Solutions in Textile GmbH has passed the practical test. Using these three-dimensional carbon fibre grids as reinforcement, it was possible to produce concrete facade panels only 26 mm thick. A steel-reinforced facade panel of similar size has a minimum thickness of 100 mm.

The facade panels were installed on a new factory building for Alphabeton AG in Büron (Switzerland), in which precast concrete elements will be produced. Alphabeton AG are specialists in concrete products manufactured from high-performance and ultra high-performance concrete (UHPC) and make full use of innovative technologies.

Hans-Peter Felder, who is responsible for research & development at Alphabeton, said:

We were looking for a solution that would enable us to produce thin concrete facade panels in large dimensions. The new 3D carbon fibre grids impressed us with their light weight and corrosion resistance and were easy and convenient to process

V. FRAAS Solutions in Textile GmbH has developed a production plant in which the new 3D textile reinforcement based on SIGRAFIL® C carbon fibres from SGL Group can be manufactured in large dimensions for the first time.

3D textile reinforcement based on SIGRAFIL° C carbon fibres
3D textile reinforcement based on SIGRAFIL° C carbon fibres

These structural reinforcing materials based on carbon fibers are also being used in the repair and renovation sector. As a result of the special properties of carbon fibers, such as high strength and stiffness combined with light weight, bridges and buildings can be permanently renovated.

Pictures: V.FRAAS

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