ABSTRACT
Currently, the construction sector is experiencing a wider development of different sustainable concrete types, such as thin concrete plates with fibre reinforced polymer textiles in an effort to reduce the energy and material related carbon footprint of building materials and structures whilst enhancing durability of built assets. One of the aims of the structural engineering community at this stage is to confirm the applicability of such beneficial materials and techniques for existing needs in the building industry. Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) has seen radical development in the recent years as a high-performance laminar material for various applications such as lightweight shell structures, sacrificial load bearing formwork, strengthening and facade components. Fastenings on this type of material have scarcely been researched, although structural connections are an essential part for many components of structural and non-structural systems. Direct fastening by use of powder actuated nail-type fasteners is also an established connection method for non-structural applications in common concrete, since it brings along several benefits in terms of energy and material consumption, site safety, welfare and labour skills, time and costs in construction logistics, which reflect aspects environmental, social and economic sustainability. This paper presents first experimental results on direct fastenings to thin TRC plates, and discusses the practical applicability of this technique.
