Carbon-reinforced concrete instead of currywurst: How fiber composites are revolutionizing our construction sites

Figure: rothycon Carbon Bewehrung

Fig. 1: Reusing and recycling fiber composites will become increasingly important in the coming years

Figure: rothycon Carbon Bewehrung

Innovative fiber composite solutions for lightweight construction are on the rise, offering new perspectives for the construction industry. Be it temporary site roads, railway infrastructure, or façade repairs – fiber composites allow for a new, sustainable approach to construction. Acceptance of these materials will grow significantly over the next ten years. Clients, architects, specifiers, and authorities will increasingly rely on fiber composites as they play a key role for making construction climate-neutral.

Innovative products such as carbon, glass and basalt fiber reinforcements provide excellent structural properties while keeping material consumption low. They not only make structures more durable, but also help reduce their environmental impact. For example, specially designed joint profiles in carbon fiber composite structures make it possible to implement low-vibration, low-maintenance transitions that can withstand extremely high loads.

The development of hybrid construction methods and modular building designs will drive the use of fiber composites in building rehabilitation and new construction. At the same time, digitalization will optimize production and installation processes, leading to greater efficiency. Multifunctional materials with integrated sensors will increasingly be used to build smart structures.

Another important aspect is the circular economy: Reuse and recycling of fiber composites will become increasingly important in the coming years. To promote the use of these innovative materials, codes and standards will be drafted to support their use in the construction industry.

The training of specialists in the field of fiber composites will be intensified to meet the growing demand. Thorough research and development activities will give rise to new applications and improved characteristics.

Overall, the market share of fiber composites in the construction industry will grow significantly. Training of practitioners and designers in the field of carbon-reinforced concrete is crucial for implementing these technologies successfully and reaping the full rewards of lightweighting and sustainability.