Novel bendable thermoplastic rebars for improved durability and sustainability of concrete structures - TOP-Crete

Project summary

Rationale / Needs to be addressed: Novel and recyclable composite reinforcement is needed to design and build highly durable structures with high mechanical performance and a longer service life, as well as to reduce the current high cost of corrosion and contribute to sustainability and circular economy. Objectives: Development of a bendable, durable and recyclable embedded thermoplastic (TP) fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement for a new concept of highly durable and high-performance reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Potential applications: Structural application of TP FRP reinforcement in concrete structures. Impact and potential benefits: Optimization of TP FRP composition and production process, and development of recycling approaches, demonstration of their structural use and development of design guidelines for TP FRP RC structures. Significant savings in production with less primary materials and a change in the supply chain model.