Parametric Design Studies of Mass-Related Global Warming Potential and Construction Costs of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Infrastructure.

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are a promising corrosion-resistant alternative to steel reinforcement. FRPs are, however, generally costly and have a high energy demand during production. The question arises whether the high performance of FRPs and possible savings in concrete mass can counterbalance initial costs and environmental impact.

Bending Behaviour of Prestressed T-Shaped Concrete Beams Reinforced with FRP-Experimental and Analytical Investigations.

Materials such as high performance (HPC) or ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement can be used to improve the resource efficiency in concrete construction by, for example, enabling the production of thin-walled structures. When building filigree concrete beams two essential factors must be considered: the low stiffness of the structure and the bond between the materials. By prestressing the structural stiffness is improved while an adequate concrete cover ensures sufficient bond strength.

Calibration and Validation of a Linear-Elastic Numerical Model for Timber Step Joints Based on the Results of Experimental Investigations.

The paper is dedicated to the numerical analysis of a single-step joint, enabling the prediction of stiffness and failure modes of both single- and double-step joints. An experimental analysis of the geometrically simplest version, the single-step joint, serves as a reference for the calibration of the subsequent finite element model. The inhomogeneous and anisotropic properties of solid timber make detailed modelling computationally intensive and strongly dependent on the respective specimen.

Optiknot 3D-Free-Formed Frameworks out of Wood with Mass Customized Knots Produced by FFF Additive Manufactured Polymers: Experimental Investigations, Design Approach and Construction of a Prototype.

Free-formed frameworks are architecturally appealing constructions. They allow for maximum creative freedom as well as for a structural optimization of the support structure. The design and construction of these kind of structures is complex however, and therefore challenging, with each frame member having an individual length, each cladding plate an individual dimension and especially each knot having an individual geometry.

Second-Generation Implants for Load Introduction into Thin-Walled CFRP-Reinforced UHPC Beams: Implant Optimisation and Investigations of Production Technologies.

Combining two high-performance materials-ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) as the matrix and carbon-fibre-reinforced composites (CFRP) as the reinforcement-opens up new possibilities for achieving very lightweight thin-walled concrete elements. This strategy, however, leads to a higher degree of material utilisation, resulting in the generation of higher forces around load introduction points and supports. The authors present a solution for increasing the performance of supports of very slender CFRP-reinforced UHPC beams by using metal implants.