Carbon fiber reinforcement design based on biomechanics to improve the bearing capacity of concrete structure

In concrete constructions, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars had considered as an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement for enhancing the capability of loading in reinforced concrete (RC) components. Whereas the advantages of CFRP are well-known, its potential applications have been confined by concerns, such as lesser ductility, decreased strength of bonds under continuous loads, and elastic response. This research investigates the performance of 7 slender beams of concrete that are reinforced with CFRP beams with maximum loads to calculate the bearing capacity using biomechanical concepts to improve reinforcement design. CFRP reinforcement can improve the concrete constructions of load capacity, as demonstrated by findings of the applying biomechanical design concepts. Special emphasis is placed on the bond behavior at the CFRP bars’ anchorage lengths (600 mm), with biomechanical design concepts involving local confinement at these anchorage regions (90%) shown to impact cracking behavior and enhance overall bearing capacity. Results from experiments on CFRP-reinforced beams compared to other reinforced beams are examined. The research examines key performance indicators, such as load capacity (180 kN), and stiffness (25 kN/mm), as well as bond strength at anchorage (18 MPa), failure mechanisms with reducing failure, and crack propagation (0.2 mm/min). Experimental findings demonstrated that the CFRP beams are more efficient in the bearing capacity of concrete structure performance.