Carbon Fibre Reinforced Aluminium Mesh Composite Materials

Abstract

This research aims at analysing two building materials with apparently distinct physical and chemical properties: the carbon fibre and aluminium; by mixing these two materials with epoxy resins we then intend to produce a novel composite building material whose physical and chemical properties differ from those of the initial materials and with mechanical strengths much improved as compared to other materials used at present in structural rehabilitation. In this respect, we consider this material to be extremely useful in the future for the rehabilitation of concrete and masonry structures. The product will exhibit significant mechanical strength values, a very good specific weight, elasticity in favour of the domain of use and an increased thermal and electrical conductivity. The material will also show to be an optimal solution for providing building durability and extending the serviceability period of masonry structures, which are commonly more vulnerable to the damaging factors of the external environment. Another quality is represented by the easiness with which it is produced, by a mixture of manual and mechanical technologies. The conclusions of our project are promising and lead to the possibility of including the material in question in the field of masonry and concrete structure rehabilitation as a new material that will bring about new and simplified technologies to be used in structural rehabilitation.