Advanced Polymer Composites In Construction

Over the past three decades advanced polymer composites have emerged as an attractive construction material for new structures and the strengthening/rehabilitation of existing buildings and bridges. The techniques associated with the technology, analysis and design of polymer composites in construction are continually being researched and the progress made with this exciting material will continue at an ever- increasing rate to meet the demands of the construction industry. This volume of proceedings is from the Second ACIC 2004 International Conference, which focused on the application and further exploitation of advanced composites in construction. The conference allowed practising engineers, asset managers, researchers and representative of regulatory bodies to promote the active exchange of scientific and technical information on the rapidly changing scene of advanced composites in construction. This volume focuses on the presentation of new concepts, techniques and case studies, which will lead to greater exploitation of advanced polymer composites and FRP materials for civil engineering infrastructure, rehabilitation and renewal. Presents new concepts, techniques and case studies

Fibre reinforced polymer-based composites are set to meet the demand for improvements in construction processes. FRP materials are suitable for use in piping, walls and columns. This volume explores their structural application in construction.

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.

In recent years, the fabrication technologies for the production of advanced polymer composites have been revolutionised by sophisticated manufacturing techniques. These methods have enabled polymer composite materials to produce good quality laminates with minimal voids and accurate fibre alignment. This book familiarises and provides a background to the understanding and use of advanced polymer composites in the civil infrastructure; numerous examples have been provided to illustrate the use and versatility of the material. Furthermore, the book discusses the current fabrication techniques, design methods and formulae for the design of structural composite systems. In addition it discusses the fundamentals of geosynthetics used in geotechnical engineering. The book introduces the fibres and matrices that are used to manufacture composites, their mechanical and in-service properties and their long term loading characteristics; all these properties are specifically associated with the construction industry. The chapters then discuss the design aspects for 'all composite' units, as well as systems used for the renewal of civil infrastructure. Finally, the book demonstrated the unique possibilities of combining composites with conventional materials to form units in which the various materials making up the unit are loaded in the mode that specifically suits their mechanical characteristics.

Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) have been used in the construction industry for several decades for mainly non-structural architectural applications such as cladding. The more advanced forms of FRP (often referred to as advanced polymer composites), originally designed for aerospace and military applications, have superior properties that offer potential benefits to the construction industry. Advanced polymer composites have a range of applications such as sandwich panels, modular units, structural components, reinforcing bars, and structural repair and strengthening. This Information Paper deals with various aspects of advanced composites, focussing on the properties of the materials and their uses. Polymer composites offer the architect, designer, structural engineer and building owner many advantages over traditional construction materials. This Information Paper will be of benefit to all these users.

Advanced composite materials for bridge structures are recognized as a promising alternative to conventional construction materials such as steel. After an introductory overview and an assessment of the characteristics of bonds between composites and quasi-brittle structures, Advanced Composites in Bridge Construction and Repair reviews the use of advanced composites in the design and construction of bridges, including damage identification and the use of large rupture strain fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The second part of the book presents key applications of FRP composites in bridge construction and repair, including the use of all-composite superstructures for accelerated bridge construction, engineered cementitious composites for bridge decks, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites for cable-stayed bridges and for repair of deteriorated bridge substructures, and finally the use of FRP composites in the sustainable replacement of ageing bridge superstructures. Advanced Composites in Bridge Construction and Repair is a technical guide for engineering professionals requiring an understanding of the use of composite materials in bridge construction. Reviews key applications of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in bridge construction and repair Summarizes key recent research in the suitability of advanced composite materials for bridge structures as an alternative to conventional construction materials

Very Good,No Highlights or Markup,all pages are intact.