Performance Assessment and Field Deployment of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Cables for Infrastructure...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering

Background:

• Conventional prestressing tendons face limitations in aggressive environments due to corrosion.
• Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) cables present a durable, lightweight alternative with high tensile strength.
• Improved infrastructure durability and reduced maintenance are critical in corrosive conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a 10 mm diameter round-bar-type CFRP cable for structural applications.
• To assess the mechanical performance, durability, and constructability of the developed CFRP cable.
• To provide experimental evidence for the structural use of CFRP tendons in infrastructure.

Main Methods:

• Pultrusion process for CFRP cable fabrication.
• Mechanical testing including tensile, relaxation, and fatigue analyses.
• Field implementation in a cable-net structure to assess constructability and applicability.

Main Results:

• CFRP cable achieved an average tensile strength of 3019 MPa and elastic modulus of 176.9 GPa.
• Final relaxation ratio was 2.25%, meeting low-relaxation criteria.
• CFRP cable sustained 2,000,000 fatigue cycles without failure or significant stiffness loss.
• Field application demonstrated convenient handling, installation, and stable prestress introduction.

Conclusions:

• The developed CFRP cable exhibits excellent mechanical properties and durability, comparable or superior to conventional tendons.
• Practical implementation confirmed the feasibility and constructability of CFRP cables in structural systems.
• This research supports the broader adoption of CFRP tendons in infrastructure development and design.