Development of Loop-Shaped Textile Anchoring Reinforcements Based on Multiaxial Warp Knitting Technology

Abstract

Due to the General Building Approval granted for the strengthening of steel reinforced concrete structures by means of textile reinforced concrete, the foundation for its introduction into practice was successfully established. It approves textile reinforcements in the form of non-crimp fabrics made of carbon fibre heavy tows with high yarn fineness. Thus, it is aimed at increasing the amount of filaments per roving in order to minimise the number of reinforcing layers required. However, the relation between the surface and cross-sectional area is compromised once fineness is increased, leading to an unfavourable enlargement of anchoring and overlapping lengths. Therefore, a recently concluded research project evaluated if this challenge can be overcome by means of a loop-shaped selvedge. This paper presents the results generated within these investigations, proving the potential of the textile-based solution. Moreover, required machine modifications based on multiaxial warp knitting technology for the integral and continuous manufacturing of anchoring textile reinforcements as well as significant results derived from bonding tests will be introduced.