There is great potential and considerable economic advantages in strengthening existing concrete members with epoxy-bonded composite plates. Composite fabrics and a unidirectional tape can also be used. However, if the technique is to be used in an effective manner it requires a sound understanding of the short and long-term behaviour of the adhesive used. It also requires reliable information about the adhesion of concrete to composite. The execution of the bonding work is also of tremendous importance in order to achieve a composite action between the adherents. Last but not least it is of the utmost importance to know within what limits the strengthening method can be used. For example, what quality of concrete is needed or what thickness or/and what strength is suitable for the composite used. This paper do not answer all these questions but presents and discusses briefly the use of CFRP (carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) for strengthening concrete structures. A historical background is presented as well as some results from tests on beams strengthened for shear with composite fabrics. A short presentation of the use of composite materials for strengthening purposes and what we can look forward to in this area in the future is also given.

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