Durability Of Composites For Civil Structural Applications

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

This chapter presents dozens of select environmental engineering applications of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials with emphasis on their environmental benefits, followed by discussions on durability of composites. Significance of design codes and specifications in promoting and advancing the applications of FRP composites is addressed. With ever increasing attention toward a sustainable built environment, FRP composites have potential to be selected as a material of choice because of the performance and design advantages of FRPs.

This book discusses the durability of construction materials in a variety of structures and in diverse environmental conditions.

In this chapter, we report the findings of experimental investigations conducted on durability of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites with and without the addition of montmorillonite nanoclay. First, neat and nanoclay-added epoxy systems were characterized to evaluate the extent of clay platelet exfoliation and dispersion of nanoclay. GFRP composite panels were then fabricated with neat/modified epoxy resin and exposed to six different conditions, i.e. hot-dry/wet, cold-dry/wet, ultraviolet radiation and alternate ultraviolet radiation–condensation. Room temperature condition samples were also used for baseline consideration. An improved dispersion of nanoclay and exfoliation of clay platelets were observed in 2wt% of epoxy samples. Weight change, discoloration and significant reduction in properties were observed in all conditioned GFRP samples. However, addition of nanoclay considerably improved the durability of GFRP samples as evident from the mechanical and micrographical results in comparison to neat samples subjected to similar conditions.

Portland cement concrete is a brittle material. The main reason for incorporating fibres into a cement matrix is to improve the cracking deformation characteristics, increasing not only the toughness, impact and tensile strength, but also eliminating temperature and shrinkage cracks. Several different types of fibres have been used to reinforce cement-based materials. This chapter briefly discusses the characteristics of fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC), reporting the effect of the fibres on the physico-chemical and mechanical properties. It also presents some of the recent research and future perspectives of FRC.