THE CARBON CONCRETE PRINCIPLE

Carbon reinforced concrete is a composite material consisting of two high-performance materials. The innovative combination of carbon fibre fabrics or bars with fine-grained concrete simultaneously enables significantly more varied shapes and a high load-bearing capacity. Due to the corrosion resistance of the fabrics and rebars, the concrete cover and thus the use of resources can be reduced to a minimum. Carbon reinforced concrete can be used for sustainable, resource-saving, less material-intensive and lighter construction.

Photos © Ansgar Pudenz, DZP 2016 (mats); CARBOCON (rods)

Steel reinforced concrete vs. carbon reinforced concrete – a sustainable alternative

Since its introduction, steel reinforced concrete as a load-bearing building material has made possible the construction of important buildings, and that in a very short time and in robust designs. However, due to their susceptibility to corrosion, the service life of steel reinforced concrete structures falls far short of earlier expectations. Many buildings are hardly older than the people who use them. With more than 100 million cubic metres used in construction each year, steel reinforced concrete is the most important building material in Germany.

The use of concrete as the world's most frequently used building material after water has always led to a high consumption of raw materials and energy. In addition, steel is subject to enormous price fluctuations due to its versatile use in construction and other industries.
This is exactly where the new carbon reinforced concrete comes in. It reduces the total consumption of materials and replaces steel with carbon. Since carbon does not rust, less concrete is required to protect the steel from corrosion. Carbon reinforced concrete can be used for sustainable, resource-saving, less material-intensive and lighter construction.
 

Both flexible and sustainable – The technology behind it

The advantage lies in the approx. 50,000 individual fibres, which are much thinner than a human hair. These fibres are combined into a yarn, processed to form a grid structure and coated. Compared to steel, carbon is four times lighter with six times more load-bearing capacity. Carbon reinforced concrete not only makes it possible to create much slimmer and more delicate new structures, but also to strengthen and repair existing structures, which then have a much longer service life. Architecturally, versatile building geometries can be realised that are difficult to achieve with steel reinforced concrete. 'Lightweight construction' and 'concrete' are no longer a contradiction in terms, but a concept for the future.

The origins of concrete

Concrete is more than 10,000 years old. Archaeological finds show that concrete-like building materials were used even 10,000 years ago. These building materials were found in millennia-old buildings on the territory of present-day Turkey and on the pyramids in Egypt. The next stage of development was the use of opus caementicium in ancient Rome, as in the construction of the Pantheon, for example.

Concrete in the Age of Industrialisation

Steel reinforced concrete since the middle of the 19th century (1867 patent by Joseph Monier) to compensate for the low tensile strength of concrete with the high tensile strength of steel.

Notable advantages: non-combustible/high fire resistance; available everywhere, cheap, can be formed into any shape

Notable disadvantages: less delicate and high dead weight; corrosion of the reinforcing steel necessitating concrete covering; high use of resources and materials

Introduction of the term steel reinforced concrete

Around 1900 emergence of the term "steel reinforced concrete" and around 1920 first experiments with pre-stressed concrete: Prestressed concrete is a further development of steel reinforced concrete whereby an axial force is introduced by prestressing the steel before concreting. This prestressing allows longer spans for beams and girders with the same ceiling height due to lower deformations.

Beginnings of textile reinforced concrete

In the 1990s, researchers from Dresden worked for the first time on a composite material made of textile fibres and high-performance concrete. Textile fibre enables a weight reduction due to the elimination of the concrete covering required in steel reinforced concrete to protect the steel.

Crucial basic research

Between 1999 and 2011, under the initiative and leadership of Prof. Curbach and Prof. Hegger, more in-depth research into textile reinforced concrete has been carried out in two Collaborative Research Centres of the Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft in Dresden and Aachen. From 2000 onwards, the standards of textile reinforced concrete made of fibreglass have been further developed through the use of new materials such as carbon and basalt. An initial summary is given under the general term 'carbon concrete'.

First pilot applications in practice

In 2005, the planning, design and construction of the first bridge made of textile reinforced concrete took place as part of the State Horticultural Show in Oschatz/Saxony. In 2006, following the planning and approval processes, the first reconstruction using carbon concrete on an existing structure took place - here on the Schweinfurt hyperdome.

First national technical approval and largest construction research project in Germany

In 2013, on the basis of years of research and pilot applications, the German Institute for Building Technology issued the first national technical approval for the use of carbon reinforced concrete in strengthened concrete structures. In the same year, the responsible ministry of the Federal Republic of Germany approved the largest construction research project in Germany with the aim of implementing carbon reinforced concrete across the board in the construction industry.

Founding of CARBOCON as a leading supplier in the hotspot of Dresden

At the end of 2014, after a preparatory phase, CARBOCON GmbH was founded as a transfer service provider. The aim was to transfer the knowledge quickly, competently and professionally into construction practice and industry. More than 160 partners from industry, universities, public authorities and other stakeholders make up the competence network C³.

Future prize for carbon reinforced concrete

At the end of 2016, former Federal President Joachim Gauck awarded the German Future Prize to the Dresden carbon reinforced concrete researchers Prof. Manfred Curbach (shareholder of CARBOCON GmbH), Prof. Chokri Cherif and Prof. Peter Offermann of the TU Dresden.

Carbon concrete today

In 2019, several hotspots exist in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the further development of the technology. Dresden, as a hotspot around CARBOCON, is a decisive driver of innovation in the market.

Materials

Reinforcement

Anyone who speaks of carbon reinforced concrete inevitably thinks of carbon and concrete. Carbon is one of the typical materials. However, carbon is by far not the only material. Basalt and fibreglass reinforcements can also be used, for example. The form in which these materials are used as reinforcement highly depends on the intended use and technical requirements. Rod reinforcements of various dimensions are likely to be known and familiar to most parties involved in the construction industry. Carbon reinforced concrete, on the other hand, uses very light but high-performance rods made of carbon or other materials. Fabrics are also used as an alternative to rods. These fabrics are very thin net structures made of fibre strands with different densities, which are produced in multi-stage manufacturing processes and can be delivered to the construction sites in rolls or mats.

Concrete

Concrete has been the most widely used building material in the last 120 years. Concrete contributed significantly to the expansion of infrastructure, urban and industrial development and thus formed the basis for a diverse and modern society. Structural engineering developed an architectural language of its own. The innovative carbon reinforced concrete builds on this development. Carbon reinforced concrete can be used on the one hand to make slimmer structures, and on the other to strengthen and maintain existing steel reinforced concrete structures. Concrete's suitability for spraying and its workability play an important role in the strengthening of buildings. TF10 TUDALIT from PAGEL was developed as a suitable product for this purpose, among others. Other concretes are also used in precast construction. Due to their corrosion resistance, textile reinforcements can be installed without the usual concrete covering, which significantly reduces weight.

Rods

Rebars made of carbon, basalt, glass or combinations of materials are used. CARBOCON develops the materials together with its partners and manufacturers and applies them specifically in construction projects. Rebars made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic are among the high-performance materials and can withstand up to 6 times higher tensile forces than comparable steel rebars.

Mat reinforcement

50,000 individual carbon fibres are combined in a special manufacturing process to form a yarn, processed into a lattice structure and impregnated. These fabrics or mats are characterised by a wide variety of properties in terms of load-bearing capacity, flexibility, formability and also resistance to temperatures. CARBOCON always selects the most suitable materials for a specific project.

Fine-grained concrete

Concrete has several functions in the composite material of carbon reinforced concrete. The selection of the right concrete type is therefore important. An example of a specially developed product and application is TF10 TUDALIT from PAGEL (grain size 0-1 mm). In addition to the special fabric, this fine-grained concrete is the central element for strengthening with carbon reinforced concrete according to the existing national technical approval.

Hybrid application

The current state of the art and the requirements of bridge technology prompted CARBOCON developers and engineers to incorporate hybrid applications of different types of reinforcement into the projects. A combination of the fabrics/mats and bars offers a multitude of possibilities to achieve the best solution for the application.

Questions and answers

What is fine-grained concrete?

Fine-grained concrete generally has a maximum grain size between 1–4mm. According to the standardised definition, all fine-grained concretes with a maximum grain size of less than or equal to 4mm are referred to as mortar. As the use of carbon reinforced concrete increased, however, the term fine-grained concrete was coined, since its properties usually correspond to those of high-performance concrete and the term fine-grained concrete therefore seemed more appropriate.

What is carbon concrete?

Carbon reinforced concrete is a composite material consisting of a (fine-grained) concrete and a non-metallic reinforcement in the composite, such as textile fabrics and rebars made of carbon, glass or basalt fibre.

How long has carbon reinforced concrete been available?

In the 1990s, researchers from Dresden worked for the first time on a composite material made of textile fibres and high-performance concrete. Textile fibre enables a weight reduction due to the minimisation of the concrete covering required in steel reinforced concrete to protect the steel.

Who researched carbon concrete in depth for the first time?

In Germany, between 1999 and 2011, under the initiative and leadership of Prof. Manfred Curbach, Prof. Peter Offermann, Prof. Chokri Cherif and Prof. Josef Hegger, more in-depth research into textile reinforced concrete was carried out in two Collaborative Research Centres of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft in Dresden and Aachen

Why CARBOCON?

CARBOCON is the leading partner when it comes to planning, developing and implementing carbon reinforced concrete projects. Due to our many years of experience in the field of carbon reinforced concrete and our broad network of industry partners, we can professionally master any challenge together with you in a direct contractual relationship or partnership.

Will carbon reinforced concrete replace steel reinforced concrete?

No, because that is not the aim of carbon reinforced concrete. CARBOCON wants to establish this high-performance, innovative and resource-saving composite material in the construction industry according to its potential and advantages. The current goal is to replace 20 % of steel reinforced concrete with carbon reinforced concrete in the near future.

What are the advantages of carbon reinforced concrete over steel reinforced concrete?

Carbon has several advantages over steel. In addition to corrosion resistance, it is mainly the lower density and higher load-bearing capacity that make carbon as a whole significantly more efficient than steel. Because carbon does not corrode, the components made of carbon reinforced concrete are also much more durable and at the same time allow for more slender designs. Since a concrete cover is no longer required for corrosion protection, there is also a high potential for saving on materials and resources.

What are the application areas for carbon reinforced concrete?

Carbon reinforced concrete can be used in the most diverse areas of construction, such as new construction, strengthening and reconstruction. Projects in bridge construction, structural engineering and prefabricated construction have already been realised. In the field of reconstruction, these include the strengthening of silos, bridges, canal structures and historical and listed buildings.

What is the difference between steel reinforced concrete and carbon reinforced concrete?

The main difference lies in a more efficient and corrosion-resistant reinforcing material, which enables lighter, more delicate and higher load-bearing constructions and a new variety of shapes.

How is a fabric/reinforcement mat made from carbon fibres?

Up to 50,000 carbon fibres are combined in one yarn and then processed and impregnated in a lattice structure. Both laying and warp knitting techniques are possible.

How is carbon reinforced concrete produced and how is it different to steel reinforced concrete?

Carbon reinforced concrete, like steel reinforced concrete, can be produced by classic casting or spraying processes. The application of a manual laminating process is also possible. Due to the reduced cross-sectional dimensions, smaller equipment can be used for reinforcing measures with carbon concrete.

How expensive is carbon reinforced concrete compared to steel reinforced concrete?

The more efficient raw materials (e.g., carbon, glass, fine-grained concrete) are more expensive than conventional steel reinforced concrete. But due to the many advantages (sustainability, resource savings, thinner cross-sectional dimensions, more efficient process flows and low transport costs), carbon reinforced concrete solutions are already highly competitive in the entire value creation process. In addition, the construction principle based on carbon reinforced concrete opens up fields of application that could not previously be realised with steel reinforced concrete.

How big are the savings on resources and materials when using carbon reinforced concrete?

Depending on the field of application and requirements, material and resource savings of up to 80% are possible.

Are there processes in place for recycling carbon reinforced concrete?

A separation of the two basic components - carbon and concrete - was achieved very early in the development of the technology. Later, large pilot studies were carried out simulating the recycling process. The recycled carbon is fed through the same processes known in the aerospace, automotive and sporting goods industries. The concrete recycling process is then carried out on the same line already established for steel reinforced concrete.

What is the future of carbon concrete?

Carbon reinforced concrete is the future in the construction industry. Increasingly scarce resources, the corrosion of steel reinforcement and its consequences in steel reinforced concrete construction open up a large field of application for carbon concrete. Whether and to what extent carbon reinforced concrete can replace steel reinforced concrete will be seen in the future.

Where in Germany has carbon or textile reinforced concrete been used?

The use of this innovative technology has been successfully demonstrated in a large number of projects. CARBOCON is currently working on many construction projects and is planning, for example, the reconstruction and strengthening of existing bridge structures. In addition, we are working on development projects with industry partners of various kinds. Further information can be found under CARBOCON References.

REFERENCE PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES

Reinforcement of the Hyparschale in Magdeburg

The Hyparschale in Magdeburg, built according to the plans of civil engineer Ulrich Müther, is one of the largest concrete shell constructions of its kind. The roof construction consists of four hyperbolic paraboloid shells. The Hyparschale, a listed building, already showed structural damage years ago. Carbon reinforced concrete was implemented as the reconstruction solution. The structure was reinforced with a carbon reinforced concrete layer of 10 mm on the top and the bottom of the concrete shell, thus protecting Magdeburg's landmark from demolition.

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Strengthening of a bridge in Naumburg/Saale

Naumburg is home to one of the oldest preserved steel reinforced concrete bridges in Germany – the Thainburg pedestrian bridge. The bridge, which is now under a preservation order, was built in 1892 and made of steel reinforced concrete, a new material at that time. In recent decades, the structure has suffered corrosion damage due to lack of maintenance and constructional sealing defects. For reasons of material efficiency and design, a strenghtening with carbon reinforced concrete was chosen. The strenghtening works were carried out in summer 2021. The finishing renovational works was carried out in autumn 2021.

 

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Carbon reinforced concrete bridge for the Free State of Saxony

The first carbon reinforced concrete road bridge is being built as part of the 100-Bauwerke-Programm of the Free State of Saxony. The previously conventionally reinforced concrete structure from 1934 is located in the area of a state road and is heavily used by conventional road traffic. The bridge is now being constructed as a replacement building made of carbon reinforced concrete (carbon rods and grids). The bridge's substructures and foundations are conventionally constructed using reinforced concrete. At the beginning of April 2021, work began on the construction of the so far unique carbon reinforced bridge over the Kuppritzer Wasser near Wurschen on the S111. After the completion of the works on the superstructure, intended for autumn 2021, long-term monitoring is planned.

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Reinforcement of slabs and beams in Beyer-Bau Dresden

The striking Beyer-Bau complex on the TU Dresden campus needs to be renovated. Due to increased usage requirements, static structural deficits in beams and ceiling planes have to be eliminated, as the existing construction was very slim compared to today's normative specifications. The chosen solution for the strenghthening is a reinforcement of the joists and ceiling planes with carbon reinforced concrete. This solution prevents a demolition and rebuilding of the historic structure. By using carbon reinforced concrete, the existing structures can be reinforced in a minimally invasive and economical manner while complying with preservation orders. The Beyer-Bau project is a very impressive example for a sustainable preservation of a historical building.

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Reinforcement of the ceilings of an above-ground bunker

The existing  bunker in Bremen shall to be converted. As part of these considerations, the client asked CARBOCON for support. The client plans to slightly reduce the height of the used rooms of the bunker system. Thus an increase of the load-bearing capacity is necessary for which the client wants to use carbon reinforced concrete. The client also put down special requirements with regard to the application temperature in the bunker system. Furthermore, a project-related approval must be obtained because a reinforcement grid is to be used that is not yet covered by the general building authority approval.

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Consulting services and implementation of project-related approval for federal road bridge in Bavaria

The Augsburg State Building Authority plans to strengthen and repair a prestressed concrete box girder bridge over the Danube in Donauwörth (Bavaria) that was built around 1968. The structure consists of two superstructures, each spanning two fields. The aim is to achieve a remaining service life of at least 20 years. Due to its technical requirements carbon reinforced concrete is recommended, with which the identified deficits of the bridge can be remedied as part of the renovation process. Since carbon reinforced concrete is an innovative material and is therefore used for the first time in Bavaria, a project-related approval is required first.

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Feasibility study and implementation of project-related approval for federal road bridge in Hesse

In Hesse, a multi-span bridge, built in 1971, was renovated and repaired. In this project, carbon reinforced concrete was used for the first time to reinforce a motorway bridge. The approximately 70 m long structure in Frankfurt transfers the A648 motorway in three parts over two cycle paths and the  the Nidda river. As part of the renovation, the bridge's deficit in load-bearing capacity was compensated for by targeted reinforcement with just a few centimeters of carbon reinforced concrete. At the top, the reinforcement layer was completely integrated into the road structure without having to raise the gradient. The restrictions for the underpassing cycle paths in the peripheral areas are minimal with only 3.5 cm reinforcement layer thickness. The sensitive nature around the river Nidda under the main field remained completely untouched by the construction work.

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Strengthening of sugar silos in Lower Saxony

Carbon reinforced concrete was used in the reconstruction of several sugar silos. Before the start of the project, during inspection and sampling, the silo walls showed severe damage in the form of deep cracks, spalling and reduced tensile strength. The aim was to permanently restore a uniform cross-section with a smooth and hygienic surface. The approximately 5,000 m² interior wall of the silo received a strengthening layer of textile reinforced concrete, which ensured both better load-bearing capacity and sustainable serviceability. In this situation the SiloSolution product was used.

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Repair of a historic arched bridge in Naila/Bavaria

The historical arched bridge in the city of Naila, which is more than one hundred years old, showed extensive crack formation and cavities almost over the entire surface. Since the listed building has a sentimental value for the region, a reconstruction method had to be found that preserves the old appearance and geometry and at the same time ensures compliance with current requirements for structural integrity, road safety and durability. Strengthening with carbon reinforced concrete was not only an economically attractive solution, but was also convincing in terms of durability, fine crack distribution and the simple practical application of carbon reinforced concrete.

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Reinforcement of steel reinforced concrete columns in Berlin

The aim of the construction project was the structural strengthening of steel reinforced concrete columns in an office building. The carbon reinforced concrete was introduced as part of the conceptual design and planning. The existing national technical approval provided the perfect conditions for this. First, the old concrete surface was prepared using a high-pressure water jet. The strengthening work was then carried out. Fine-grained concrete and carbon reinforcement were alternately applied to the surface. A few centimetres of cross-sectional expansion with carbon reinforced concrete were sufficient to significantly increase the load-bearing capacity of the columns (load increase of about 40 %).

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Strengthening of a high-rise building in Munich

The 40-year-old Arabella skyscraper in Munich was damaged by cracks, spalling and frost damage on some balconies and balustrade panels. These affected the durability and safety of the balconies and the building's surroundings. During the repair work, the complex geometry of the facade was to be maintained without scaffolding where possible while the building continued to be used. The ideal solution here was a covering of carbon reinforced concrete. The low material requirement allowed outdoor work by industrial climbers. A textile concrete layer of only 6 mm ensured both the preservation of the old appearance and long-term load-bearing capacity.

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Construction supervision and quality management during facade reconstruction with carbon concrete slabs

The building on the Dresden University of Technology campus has a facade made of betoShell® panels. The panels are double-layered and reinforced with fibreglass. As part of the installation work, anchor systems were dismantled and replaced by new anchor systems. As part of his quality management concept, the principal requested comprehensive documentation and supervision of the installation work. The monitoring of contractors should incorporate experience with carbon reinforced concrete.

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Machbarkeitsprüfung von Fertigteilstürzen aus Carbonbeton

Zur Reduktion des Bauteileigengewichts und zur Verbesserung des Handlings auf der Baustelle wurde eine Machbarkeitsstudie zur Optimierung von Fertigteilstürzen durchgeführt. Durch die Optimierung des Bauteilquerschnitts und den Einsatz von Carbonbeton können zukünftig bis zu 45 % Beton eingespart werden. Die Elemente können in unterschiedlichen Längen eingesetzt werden und haben einen Dämmstoffkern, welcher von einer dünnen Carbonbetonschicht umgeben ist. Die Tragfähigkeit der optimierten Bauteile wird in einer Prototypenprüfung untersucht und anschließend wird eine abZ für die Fertigteile erwirkt.

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The CARBOCON team is also at your disposal as a central contact partner with interdisciplinary expertise. In connection with our range of services, this enables us to take care of various customers with different requirement profiles.

CARBOCON supports the projects from the first analysis to the subsequent application. The spectrum of projects ranges from comprehensive consulting on strategic, operational and technical issues in the use of carbon reinforced concrete to 'classic' planning for the strengthening of bridges and other structures with carbon concrete.

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