Building reinforcement carbon cloth (UD carbon fiber cloth) is a new type of high-performance structural reinforcement material. With its excellent mechanical properties and construction advantages, it has been widely used in reinforcement projects of concrete structures, steel structures, etc. Its core features can be summarized into four categories: excellent mechanical properties, convenient and efficient construction, strong durability, and wide applicability.
Ultra-High Tensile Strength: Carbon fiber's tensile strength is typically 7-10 times that of ordinary construction steel (common carbon fiber fabrics have a tensile strength of ≥3000 MPa, while ordinary Q235 steel has a tensile strength of only approximately 370 MPa). This allows it to effectively absorb tensile stresses caused by increased loads and cracking, significantly improving the structural load-bearing capacity.
High Elastic Modulus: Its elastic modulus is similar to or higher than that of steel (common carbon fiber fabrics have an elastic modulus of ≥230 GPa). It exhibits excellent deformation coordination under load, deforming synchronously with the concrete matrix and avoiding stress concentration caused by material stiffness differences.
Lightweight and High-Strength: Carbon fiber's density is only approximately 1/4 that of steel (approximately 1.78 g/cm³). Reinforcement with carbon fiber barely increases the weight or cross-sectional dimensions of the original structure, making it particularly suitable for weight-sensitive components (such as bridges, floor slabs, and tall structures) and for applications with limited space (such as interior beam and column reinforcement).
Simplified operational procedures: The core steps consist of "base preparation → application of primer → carbon cloth application → topcoat application." These steps can be completed manually without the need for large machinery, making them particularly suitable for complex environments such as confined spaces and high-altitude work.
Short Construction Period: Each process is time-efficient (for example, the carbon cloth cures after application, typically taking 24-72 hours, significantly shorter than the curing period for poured concrete). The process also minimizes impact on the existing structure, enabling rapid resumption of work (e.g., renovation of existing buildings and temporary reinforcement of bridges).
Flexible Cutting: The carbon cloth can be flexibly cut to fit component dimensions (e.g., beams, columns, and slabs), adapting to complex structures with curved surfaces and sharp corners without the need for custom-made materials.
Strong Corrosion Resistance: Carbon fiber, essentially a single carbon element, does not react with corrosive media such as acids, alkalis, and salts. Unlike steel, it does not rust or expand, leading to structural damage. It is suitable for corrosive environments such as humid, coastal environments (containing chloride ions), and chemical plants.
Excellent Aging and Weather Resistance: It is highly resistant to UV rays, temperature fluctuations (-50°C to 150°C), and humidity fluctuations. It exhibits no creep (no slow deformation under long-term stress) and boasts a service life of over 50 years, matching the lifespan of the building's main structure.
Non-Magnetic and Excellent Insulation: Carbon cloth is non-magnetic and non-conductive, preventing interference with the normal operation of nearby precision equipment (such as hospital MRI rooms and laboratories). It also avoids electrochemical corrosion in electromagnetic environments.
Compatible with a variety of structural types: It can be used on a variety of substrates, including concrete structures (beams, columns, slabs, walls, and joints), steel structures (for corrosion protection and joint reinforcement), and wooden structures (for seismic resistance and increased bearing capacity).
Meets diverse reinforcement needs: It can address both insufficient bearing capacity (such as bending resistance in beams and shear resistance in columns) and structural defects (such as repairing concrete cracks and improving component durability). It can also be used for seismic reinforcement (improving structural ductility) and post-disaster repair (such as strengthening components after fire).
Minimal Impact on the Original Structure: No excavation of the original concrete or welding is required, avoiding secondary structural damage during construction. It is particularly suitable for historical buildings and cultural relics requiring minimally invasive reinforcement.
