Advances in carbon-fiber reinforced polymers and composites for sustainable concrete structures

Sustainable materials that are characterised with cost-effectiveness, high durability and low density are typically required in the civil engineering markets to survive unfavourable severe loading and harsh environmental circumstances. Because of this, new applications in building and construction works have made the use of sophisticated composite materials as reinforcing for a wide spectrum of building structures. Carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) which possess remarkable attributes like high specific strength, stiffness, and lightweight nature, have garnered significant interest in the repairing and reinforcement of concrete structures. Improving the intrinsic material qualities of any construction material, like CFRP, is the most straightforward approach to make it better. Many of the restrictions associated with using materials can be overcome once the qualities of CFRP can be improved. This review, therefore, gives a thorough summary of the features and applications of CFRP in different building structural parts, including concrete slabs, columns, beams among others. Different fabrication techniques and surface modifications of CFRP to provide insight into their capabilities and possible drawbacks are highlighted. Moreover, sustainability issues surrounding CFRP as well as their recycling potentials in the circular economy are discussed. We conclude by providing outlook and challenges regarding the usage of CFRP composites in civil engineering applications.