The optimization of the curing of carbon fibre composite rebar using a heat transfer FEA model

Abstract

A new fiber composite rebar for concrete developed at the University of Ottawa exhibits pseudo-ductility by having an aramid composite overwrap slide at a designated yield stress level. One challenge is how to cure the fibre composite core with respect to the overwrap. In this thesis a Finite Element Analysis model was created to predict how the fibre composite rebar would cure as it passed through the induction heating stage and the furnace stage. Eight processing combinations were evaluated with the FEA model using different induction and furnace heating settings, along with various production speeds. It was discovered that through the combination of induction and furnace heating, the curing could be controlled so that is possible to continuously produce the rebar while controlling the progression of the cure.