CFRP can be used to protect an entire wall from an explosion. To study the effectiveness of different ways of applying CFRP, Orton worked with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to detonate explosives near CFRP-reinforced concrete slabs. She found that CFRP, when layered and anchored, provided a significant amount of protection. However, she said that applying additional protection to the front of the concrete slab, such as a steel plate, would enhance the slab's performance.
Orton says the high costs of approximately $30 per square foot have kept CFRP from being widely implemented in non-earthquake prone areas.
"This is a really useful material," Orton said. "I continue to be fascinated by the material's strength and applications. Retrofitting buildings with CFRP will help protect people from attacks and potentially collapse of the building."
Most buildings are not constructed to withstand an unexpected explosion or impact. Now, a researcher at the University of Missouri is working with the US Army to test a method of retrofitting buildings using carbon fiber reinforced polymer to protect from a terrorist attack.
(Photo Credit: MU News Bureau)
Sarah Orton is an assistant professor of civil engineering in the MU College of Engineering.
(Photo Credit: MU News Bureau)
Source: University of Missouri-Columbia