# Characterization of Dry Woven Fabrics Strengthened Polymer Concrete Composites

## TL;DR

This study explores how dry woven fabrics can improve the strength of polymer concrete, showing that aramid and carbon fabrics significantly boost flexural and compressive strength.

## Contribution

The study introduces the use of dry-woven fabrics as reinforcement in polymer concrete, demonstrating their effectiveness and ease of application.

## Key findings

- Aramid fabric showed superior mechanical properties compared to glass and carbon fabrics.
- Carbon fabric-reinforced specimens had a 14% increase in flexural strength after 28 days.
- Aramid fabric-reinforced specimens showed a 14% increase in compressive strength after 28 days.

## Abstract

Polymer concretes
(PCs) have recently attracted attention
with
their use in industry, thanks to their superior structural properties.
To further improve the mechanical properties of polymer concretes,
a kind of composite material, the achievements in composite technology
should be transferred to this field. While studies in this context
mainly involve dispersing chopped fibers in PC, the reinforcement
of dry-woven fabric is not frequently encountered. In this study,
the effects of the reinforcement of aramid, glass, and carbon dry
woven fabrics under a specific layout plan on the flexural and compressive
behaviors of polymer concrete were investigated. In this regard, first,
the mechanical properties of the woven fabrics were analyzed by performing
single yarn tensile, yarn pull-out, and woven tensile tests, and it
was understood that aramid fabric has superior mechanical properties
compared to other fabrics. After that, the reinforcement of PCs with
dry woven fabrics was performed, and the density and mechanical tests
were carried out parametrically at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing time.
After 28 days of curing, a 14% increase in the flexural strength of
carbon fabric-reinforced specimens occurred, while a 14% increase
in the compressive strength of aramid fabric-reinforced specimens
was obtained. The most important results of the study are that the
reinforcement of polymer concrete with dry woven fabrics is quite
effortless and manageable; the fibers carry the load and form a good
interface with the polymer concrete, creating a bridging effect at
the fracture and resulting in a strength increase.