A Compressive Peak Strength Model for CFRP-Confined Thermal Insulation Materials under Elevated Temperature

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering

Background:

• Thermal insulation materials using Portland cement and perlite are susceptible to degradation under elevated temperatures.
• Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) confinement can enhance the mechanical properties of construction materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a compressive peak strength model for CFRP-confined thermal insulation materials under ambient and elevated temperatures.
• To investigate the effects of perlite content and CFRP confinement on the material's compressive strength.
• To analyze the thermal softening behavior of these composite materials.

Main Methods:

• Experimental testing of thermal insulation materials with varying perlite content (0-30%) confined by one, two, or three layers of CFRP.
• Compressive strength tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from ambient to 300 °C.
• Development and validation of theoretical models to predict peak compressive strength.

Main Results:

• Compressive strength decreased with increased perlite content and elevated temperatures (thermal softening).
• Compressive strength increased with additional layers of CFRP confinement.
• The proposed models accurately predicted the experimental results for peak compressive strength.

Conclusions:

• CFRP confinement effectively enhances the compressive strength of perlite-based thermal insulation materials.
• A predictive model incorporating thermal softening effects was successfully developed for CFRP-confined materials.
• The study provides valuable insights for the design of durable thermal insulation systems in high-temperature environments.