| Abstract: |
Although fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used for the renewal of civil infrastructure, there are still some major questions related to the durability of these materials in a civil engineering environment. This concern is emphasized since the structures of interest are primarily load bearing and are expected to be in service, without substantial inspection or maintenance, for extended time periods (75+ years). This paper presents a synopsis of a gap analysis study undertaken under the aegis of the Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF) and the Market Development Alliance (MDA) fo the FRP Composites Industry to Identify critical gaps in data needed for such applications. The study focuses on the use of FRP in internal reinforcement, external strengthening, seismic retrofit, bridge decks, structural profiles and panels. Environments of interest are moisture/solution, alkalinity, creep/relaxation, fatigue, fire, thermal effects (including freeze-thaw) and UV-exposure. |
