Reinforce Precast Concrete with Carbon Fiber
Rome was not built in a day—because it was built with concrete, which is really heavy and hard to move. Still, for millennia, concrete has been one of the most widely used materials for any kind of construction, as well as for building roads and bridges. Over time, however, concrete cracks and crumbles—see the ruins of the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Appian Way.
Reinforced with metal rebar and steel mesh, modern concrete tends to hold up better, but certain climatic and geological conditions degrade the concrete and corrode the metal, which creates the need for repair to the concrete foundation of your home or business, or your sidewalks, driveway, and patio.
One solution was the 2003 introduction of carbon fiber as a replacement for metal mesh reinforcement. Since then, the construction industry has depended upon carbon fiber composites over traditional wood and metal because the carbon filaments are stronger and more durable.
Other improvements carbon fiber brings to any construction project include:
- Increased strength and stiffness
- Decreased weight
- Higher tensile strength
- Resistance to extreme temperatures
- Resistance to thermal expansion
- Resistance to chemicals and corrosion
For tall buildings and bridge work, carbon fiber is stronger than steel, is able to support heavier loads without adding to the weight, and facilitates faster installation. Carbon fiber grids also reduce the amount of concrete required for structural stability.
In terms of more basic construction, such as a home or office building, starting with a foundation made from carbon fiber-reinforced concrete ensures a longer lifespan of the structure and reduces the destructive effects of weather and climate.
If you already have a home with a traditional concrete foundation, carbon fiber can help fix foundation issues such as cracks and blemishes. Call us at Carbon Fiber Support today, and let's talk about how your home can be reinforced for the future.