Design & development of crack filling material for composite beams using MWCNTs and carbon fibers as reinforcement at nano and micro level

Abstract

Structural engineers, in particular, face the ongoing challenge of ensuring the durability and safety of critical infrastructure components, such as composite beams in bridges and buildings. With aging infrastructure and increasing demands for sustainability and longevity, innovative solutions are essential. The safety and longevity of structures, such as composite beams in buildings and bridges, are paramount concerns. As our infrastructure ages and environmental sustainability becomes increasingly important, innovation in materials and methods is crucial. In this context, we explore a transformative solution the development of advanced crack-filling materials. These materials hold the promise of revolutionizing civil engineering by addressing structural challenges and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure components. This exploration will delve into the significance of infrastructure, the challenges faced by structural engineers, and the potential impact of advanced crack-filling materials on the field. In this paper we are highlighting the development of a crack filling material for the composite section using Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Car-bon fibers (CFs). The use of these two nano materials will subsequently be able to reduce the cracks and heal the composite section wherever necessary. The flexural strength of the beams is significantly increased 15% by the addition of MWCNTs and 67% by the addition of MWCNTs and CFs. The cracked MWCNTs beam coated with MWCNTs, epoxy, CFs gained strength and failed at 1100 N. This is because the coating helped to distribute the load across the crack and prevented the crack from propagating further. The cracked carbon fibers beams coated with MWCNTs, Epoxy and CFs gained strength and failed at 1760 N. This is because the MWCNTs + CFs helped to bridge the crack and transfer the load across the crack. Cement mortar with MWCNTs + CFs after coating increased by 400% This suggests that the coating is effective at restoring the strength of the cracked beams.

Keywords

• durability
• composite beams
• crack-filling
• sustainability
• infrastructure