Reinforcement ( English reinforcement ) is a method of increasing the structural bearing capacity of a structure with a material having increased strength properties relative to the main material of the product.
It is used in the manufacture of reinforced concrete and stone structures, glass products, plastics, ceramics, gypsum , etc.
Reinforcement of reinforced concrete is carried out mainly by steel reinforcement ; however, in recent years, composite reinforcement has been increasingly used. Distinguish between conventional and prestressed reinforcement. The latter allows to increase crack resistance, rigidity and durability of structures.
External reinforcement systems are also known that are commonly used to restore worn infrastructure. The materials used are composite materials - carbon fiber . For example, a reinforced concrete bridge built 50 years ago and designed for a load of 40 tons, as a result of wear, lost a load capacity of up to 20 tons. After carrying out work on external reinforcement, the bridge was assigned a new class - 80-ton bridges in bearing capacity [1] .
There is reinforced glass (not to be confused with bulletproof glass ), it contains a mesh of metal wire. When the glass breaks, the fragments remain in the wire, unlike ordinary window glass, where fragments fly off the glass, which can injure or even kill. Such windows are used in Japan.