Epoxy-impregnated textiles in concrete Load bearing capacity and durability

ABSTRACT: A promising possibility to improve the load bearing capacity and durability of textile reinforced concrete components is the polymeric impregnation of the textile reinforcement. Alkali resistant (AR-) glass is often used as reinforcement material. However, AR-glass loses strength in alkaline environment versus time. In this paper the mechanical behavior under short-term as well as long-term loading and the durability of textiles that were impregnated with selected epoxy resins are compared to non impregnated textiles. For this purpose tensile tests on impregnated filaments, rovings and textile reinforced specimens after an accelerated aging have been carried out. The results show a higher load bearing capacity and durability by the use of epoxy-impregnated reinforcement.