Polymer Composites For Civil And Structural Engineering

New materials and methods within the construction industry offer substantial advantages in terms of cost, durability, ease of design, and ease of fabrication. This new book looks at the multitude of uses of polymer composites in construction and discusses fabrication methods, suitability of materials, design methods, construction methods, performance and practical 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

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.

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials has had a dramatic impact on civil engineering techniques over the past three decades. FRPs are an ideal material for structural applications where high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios are required. Developments in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for civil engineering outlines the latest developments in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and their applications in civil engineering. Part one outlines the general developments of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) use, reviewing recent advancements in the design and processing techniques of composite materials. Part two outlines particular types of fiber-reinforced polymers and covers their use in a wide range of civil engineering and structural applications, including their use in disaster-resistant buildings, strengthening steel structures and bridge superstructures. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Developments in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for civil engineering is an essential text for researchers and engineers in the field of civil engineering and industries such as bridge and building construction. Outlines the latest developments in fiber-reinforced polymer composites and their applications in civil engineering Reviews recent advancements in the design and processing techniques of composite materials Covers the use of particular types of fiber-reinforced polymers in a wide range of civil engineering and structural applications

Abstract: The primary objective of this chapter is first to introduce and demonstrate the application of thermoplastic (woven glass reinforced polypropylene) in the design of modular fiber-reinforced bridge decks, and next the development of jackets for confining concrete columns against compression and impact loading. The design concept and manufacturing processes of the thermoplastic bridge deck composite structural system are presented by recognizing the structural demands required to support highway traffic. Then the results of the small-scale static cylinder tests and the impact tests of concrete columns are presented, demonstrating that thermoplastic reinforcement jackets act to restrain the lateral expansion of the concrete that accompanies the onset of crushing, maintaining the integrity of the core concrete, and enabling much higher compression strains (compared to CFRP composite wraps) to be sustained by the compression zone before failure occurs.

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

Biofibers are emerging as a low cost, lightweight and environmentally superior alternative in composites. Generally, different fibers exhibit different properties that are fundamentally important to the resultant composites. This chapter gives an overview of the most common biofibers in biocomposites, covering their sources, types, structure, composition, and properties. Drawbacks of biofibers, such as dimensional instability, moisture absorption, biological, ultraviolet and fire resistance, will be discussed. The chapter will focus on their modifications (physical and chemical methods), matrices based on their petrochemical resources and bio-based, processing of biofiber reinforced plastic composites covering the factors influencing processing (humidity, additives, machinery, processing parameter, fiber content and length), and processing techniques (compounding, compression molding, extrusion, injection molding, pultrusion and others) will be discussed. The properties of the biocomposites based on their mechanical, physical, and biological behavior will also be covered. Lastly, this chapter concludes with recent developments and trends of biocomposites in the near future in civil engineering.

Modern structural applications of composite materials are dictated by the processing methods available. In this chapter, we introduce recent developments related to the manufacturing of composites in civil engineering applications using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, pultrusion, and automated fiber placement.