Fiberglass Layer Coating and Its Influence on the Properties of Concrete with F’c 210 Kg/cm2

Traditional structural strengthening methods involve high costs, increased self-weight of the structure, and complex construction procedures. In this context, there is a need for alternative materials that improve the mechanical performance of concrete without compromising its functionality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of applying fiberglass layers to concrete with a design compressive strength of f’c = 20.59 MPa (210 kg/cm2). An applied research approach was used, with a quantitative methodology and a quasi-experimental design. Cylindrical concrete specimens measuring 12 cm × 6 cm were cured for 28 days and then coated with 1, 2, and 3 layers of fiberglass. The results showed that fiberglass has a chemical composition dominated by sodium (54.28%), silicon (25.64%), magnesium (9.98%), and aluminum (7.19%), which contributes to its stiffness and stability. Regarding compressive strength, the control specimens achieved an average strength of 20.69 MPa, while specimens coated with 1, 2, and 3 layers of fiberglass reached average strengths of 21.72 MPa, 23.49 MPa, and 25.71 MPa, respectively. These values represent increases of 4.98%, 13.53%, and 24.26% compared to conventional concrete. In terms of flexural strength, the control beams reached an average value of 3.50 MPa, whereas beams reinforced with 1, 2, and 3 fiberglass layers achieved average strengths of 3.66 MPa, 3.89 MPa, and 4.10 MPa, respectively. The results demonstrate that fiberglass improves both the compressive and flexural performance of concrete by providing external confinement, delaying crack propagation, and increasing the load-bearing capacity of the structural elements. It is concluded that fiberglass constitutes an effective and technically viable alternative for strengthening concrete structures.