Simulation based development of profiled carbon rovings for concrete reinforcements

Abstract

Textile reinforcements are increasingly establishing their position in the building industry due to their high tensile properties and corrosion resistance. However, in contrast to ribbed monolithic steel bars with a defined form fit effect, the bond force of conventional carbon rovings are transmitted primarily by an adhesive bond (material fit) between the textile surface and the surrounding concrete matrix. Hence, relatively large bonding lengths are needed to transmit the bond forces, which results in an inefficient material utilization. New solutions involving tetrahedral profiled rovings and braided yarns promise significant improvements in the bonding behavior of textile reinforcements by creating an additional mechanical interlock with the concrete matrix, yet maintaining the high tensile properties of the carbon fibers. In order to increase the transmittable bond force and bond stiffness of the profiled rovings through a defined roving geometry, a simulation-based development was conducted. Hereby geometry and material models were developed and tensile tests as well as pull-out tests were simulated. The results of simulation and characterization enable the optimization of the geometry parameters of the tetrahedral profiled rovings and braided yarns to achieve better bond and tensile properties.