Given the increasing use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in structural civil engineering, there is a vital need for critical information related to the overall durability and performance of these new materials under harsh and changing conditions. Durability of composites for civil and structural applications provides a thorough overview of key aspects of the durability of FRP composites for designers and practising engineers. Part one discusses general aspects of composite durability. Chapters examine mechanisms of degradation such as moisture, aqueous solutions, UV radiation, temperature, fatigue and wear. Part two then discusses ways of using FRP composites, including strengthening and rehabilitating existing structures with FRP composites, and monitoring techniques such as structural health monitoring. Durability of composites for civil and structural applications provides practising engineers, decision makers and students with a useful and fundamental guide to the use of FRP composites within civil and structural engineering. Provides a thorough overview of key aspects of the durability of composites Examines mechanisms of degradation such as aqueous solutions, moisture, fatigue and wear Discusses ways of using FRP composites, including strengthening and rehabilitating existing structures

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used in the field of civil engineering, either for the rehabilitation/retrofitting of existing infrastructures or for the construction of new structural elements. However, such applications are still recent and there are still unresolved questions regarding the long-term durability of FRP reinforcements or structural elements under service conditions, and their behaviour under accidental fire events as well. In this chapter, it is proposed to highlight the basic mechanisms involved in the environmental degradation of FRP composites, with a large emphasis on ageing mechanisms of the polymer matrix and their consequences on the mechanical properties. The last section is specifically devoted to the fire behaviour of polymer composites and also recalls existing fire-proofing solutions.

Advanced Fibre-reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Structural Applications, Second Edition provides updates on new research that has been carried out on the use of FRP composites for structural applications. These include the further development of advanced FRP composites materials that achieve lighter and stronger FRP composites, how to enhance FRP integrated behavior through matrix modification, along with information on pretension treatments and intelligence technology. The development of new technology such as automated manufacturing and processing of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have played a significant role in optimizing fabrication processing and matrix formation. In this new edition, all chapters have been brought fully up-to-date to take on the key aspects mentioned above. The book's chapters cover all areas relevant to advanced FRP composites, from the material itself, its manufacturing, properties, testing and applications in structural and civil engineering. Applications span from civil engineering, to buildings and the energy industry. Covers all areas relevant to advanced FRP composites, from the material itself, its manufacturing, properties, testing and applications in structural engineering Features new manufacturing techniques, such as automated fiber placement and 3D printing of composites Includes various applications, such as prestressed-FRP, FRP made of short fibers, continuous structural health monitoring using advanced optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG), durability of FRP-strengthened structures, and the application of carbon nano-tubes or platelets for enhancing durability of FRP-bonded structures

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have become an integral part of the construction industry because of their versatility, enhanced durability and resistance to fatigue and corrosion, high strength-to-weight ratio, accelerated construction, and lower maintenance and life-cycle costs. Advanced FRP composite materials are also emerging for a wide range of civil infrastructure applications. These include everything from bridge decks, bridge strengthening and repairs, and seismic retrofit to marine waterfront structures and sustainable, energy-efficient housing. The International Handbook of FRP Composites in Civil Engineering brings together a wealth of information on advances in materials, techniques, practices, nondestructive testing, and structural health monitoring of FRP composites, specifically for civil infrastructure. With a focus on professional applications, the handbook supplies design guidelines and standards of practice from around the world. It also includes helpful design formulas, tables, and charts to provide immediate answers to common questions. Organized into seven parts, the handbook covers: FRP fundamentals, including history, codes and standards, manufacturing, materials, mechanics, and life-cycle costs Bridge deck applications and the critical topic of connection design for FRP structural members External reinforcement for rehabilitation, including the strengthening of reinforced concrete, masonry, wood, and metallic structures FRP composites for the reinforcement of concrete structures, including material characteristics, design procedures, and quality assurance–quality control (QA/QC) issues Hybrid FRP composite systems, with an emphasis on design, construction, QA/QC, and repair Quality control, quality assurance, and evaluation using nondestructive testing, and in-service monitoring using structural health monitoring of FRP composites, including smart composites that can actively sense and respond to the environment and internal states FRP-related books, journals, conference proceedings, organizations, and research sources Comprehensive yet concise, this is an invaluable reference for practicing engineers and construction professionals, as well as researchers and students. It offers ready-to-use information on how FRP composites can be more effectively utilized in new construction, repair and reconstruction, and architectural engineering.

This chapter briefly discusses the performance and durability of bonded composite systems used for on-site rehabilitation of timber and concrete structures. In spite of some recent developments, the exploitation of their full potential is still often restrained by the lack of structural design guidance, standards for durability assessment and on-site acceptance testing. Therefore, this chapter provides a review of current understanding on the use of hybrid bonded composite systems on the construction site in terms of structural repair, reinforcement, and seismic retrofit. It focuses on the requirements and practical difficulties in the work on-site with regards to the performance and durability of the rehabilitated structure, the characteristics and requirements that must be fulfilled by structural adhesives and advanced polymer composite materials, and the subsequent need for quality control and in-service monitoring. It also highlights the factors affecting performance and durability of bonded joints. Finally, a general overview of the research needs and a bibliography giving references to more detailed information on this topic is given.

Following the success of ACIC 2002, this is the 2nd International Conference focusing on the application and further exploitation of advanced composites in construction held at the University of Surrey in April 2004. With over 100 delegates the conference brought together practicing engineers, asset managers, researchers and representatives of regulatory bodies to promote the active exchange of scientific and technical information on the rapidly changing scene of advanced composites in construction. The aim of the conference was to encourage the presentation of new concepts, techniques and case studies, which will lead to greater exploitation of advanced polymer composites and FRP materials for the civil engineering infrastructure, rehabilitation and renewal.

This book examines current issues of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in civil infrastructure. The contents of this book are divided into two parts. The first part engages topics related to durability and service life of FRP composites and how they contribute to sustainability. The second part highlights implementation and applications of the FRP composites with an emphasis on bridge structures. An introductory chapter provides an overview of FRP composites and its role in a sustainable built environment highlighting the issues of durability and service life followed by a current review of sustainability in infrastructure design.​