Optimization and design of carbon fabric‐reinforced cementitious matrix composites

Abstract Interest in carbon fabric‐reinforced cementitious matrix (C‐FRCM) composites as structural strengthening materials for reinforced concrete structures has recently increased. In such applications, the mechanical properties of C‐FRCM composites are the key to unlocking the corresponding strengthening effects. Therefore, this study explores different optimization approaches to improve the loading behaviors of C‐FRCM composites, such as different carbon fabric contents in the cementitious matrix and different surface treatments of the carbon fiber meshes. Then, a series of tensile tests are carried out to evaluate the performance of the modified C‐FRCM composites. Furthermore, experimental results of other FRCM composites are collected from the literature to create a larger data pool for analysis. Finally, two existing constitutive models for FRCM composites — the Aveston‐Cooper‐Kelly (ACK) model and the AC434 model — are compared against these experimental data.