Effectiveness of Using Carbon Fiber Grid Systems in Reinforced Two-Way Concrete Slab System

Fiber-rein forced polymers (FRPs) were recently used as a replacing reinforcement in concrete structures in view of their excellent resistance to corrosion, light weight, and high specific strength. A state of the art process of using carbon fiber grids as an internal reinforcement with self-consolidating concrete in two-way slab systems is presented herein. The experimental work included studying the flexural performance of the carbon fiber-reinforced polymers' (CFRP) grid in comparison with the conventional welded steel wire mesh. This study is expected to find its application in parking garages or flooring panels to enhance the durability performance and extend the service life of concrete slab members. The load-deflection relationship, ultimate load, energy absorption, and failure mode of simply supported slabs with different aspect ratios were discussed. The experimental results of this study showed that the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grid is appropriate as a structural reinforcement. In addition, the FRP grid tended to fall within the criteria of minimum load requirements per ASCE 7 as the steel wire reinforcement did and satisfied the service limit state of deflection per ACI 318 at approximately 50% of their ultimate loads.