Abstract

In the coming years, the growth of aircraft fleets is expected due to increased globalization and transportation needs, leading to a rise in the use of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) composites thanks to their excellent specific properties. This implies that the sector must face the challenge of dealing with CFRP elements from aircraft that have reached the end of their useful life, without a clear and sustainable alternative to landfill disposal currently available. On the other hand, the rehabilitation of buildings and civil infrastructure is essential to prolong their useful life and reduce energy consumption and environmental impact associated with construction. Currently, there are various techniques for using CFRP composites to reinforce reinforced concrete structures, improving their flexural response. However, the manufacturing cost of these reinforcement materials and the associated environmental cost limit their wider use. Therefore, the reuse of CFRP composites from other sectors can represent a very interesting alternative. This work explores the possibility of using CFRP elements from the aerospace sector to reinforce reinforced concrete structures. Specifically, the capacity of these reused CFRP composites to be used as external reinforcement in concrete beams subjected to bending is analyzed. The results are compared with those of a reference beam reinforced with newly manufactured CFRP composite material. It is concluded that it is feasible to reuse CFRP materials from the aerospace sector for the reinforcement of reinforced concrete beams.