Textile structures in concrete reinforcement

Abstract

Traditional steel-based reinforcements face corrosion issues that compromise the durability of concrete structures. Large concrete covers are recommended to mitigate corrosion of steel reinforcements, resulting in thicker, heavier structures with increased material consumption and costs, making them less sustainable. Textile reinforced concrete (TRC), with its corrosion resistance, high tensile strength, drapeability, formability, and lightweight nature, offers a sustainable alternative. It necessitates less concrete cover, thereby reducing costs and material consumption, making it suitable for lightweight and durable structural components. Various combinations of textile structures achieved through selective adjustments to fibre, yarn, and fabric geometry present significant potential for developing customized TRC elements. This issue of Textile Progress delves into the environmental impact of construction materials, TRC composition and manufacturing, mechanical testing techniques, and the influence of textile (yarn, braided fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric, 3-D spacer fabric, nonwoven fabric) structural parameters on TRC behaviour. Additionally, the effects of textile coatings, filler incorporation, and discrete fibre integration on TRC properties are also explored. Overall, textile reinforcement in concrete enhances properties such as tensile strength, ductility, strain hardening behaviour, flexural strength, impact resistance, toughness, multiple cracking behaviour, and reduced crack width and spacing, whilst also bolstering resistance to environmental factors.