Serviceability and durability of FRP materials

Posted by ei2Aevai on December 15th, 2020

The properties of FRP composites are widely considered superior to the properties of traditional steel and other reinforcing materials. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials have been used since the 1940s. In the beginning, there were only a few industries that used advanced composites to build strong objects. Superior corrosion resistance is one of the qualities of FRP composites that attracted many industries to explore new applications for these incredible materials.

FRP products are mainly used in harsh environments, such as sewage treatment plants, chemical processing plants, and power plants. Corrosion-susceptible materials cannot withstand harsh environments and this is the main reason why industries such as civil engineering and construction want to explore the true potential of FRP composites. Researchers have already created innovative FRP systems and components capable of withstanding corrosive agents and humidity levels in extreme climatic regions. Below are some of the characteristics of advanced compounds

Fiberglass reinforced composites or advanced composites are generally used in architectural applications where sustainability and strength are primary concerns or where other materials degrade rapidly. Compounds play a crucial role in the storage and transport of strong acids. Structural engineers use composite products to reinforce concrete members. Concrete structures reinforced with materials susceptible to corrosion can hardly reach their expected useful life.

Thermoset and thermoplastic are two main types of compounds that vary in terms of performance and properties. Large-scale structural applications such as bridges and public transportation infrastructure show that FRP composites are capable of handling heavy loads and frp wall panels environments for an extended period of time.

Masterfully designed and manufactured composites achieve long life under cyclic loading conditions. Fiberglass rebar, ship hulls, aircraft frames, and automobile leaf springs are some of the examples of FRP-built structures. GFRP is a known composite material variant of FRP, which is mainly applied in civil engineering applications. GFRP rebar is an innovative building material of the 21st century.

Advanced composites have inherent characteristics that make them a material of choice for architects, builders, and product manufacturers. These design experts are often interested in producing products and buildings with a reduced ecological footprint. Improved durability, wear life and corrosion resistance are achieved with advanced compounds. Plus, they have low or no thermal conductivity, an ideal strength-to-weight ratio, and a smaller carbon footprint compared to most traditional materials.

As a structural engineer or builder, you must explore the true potential of FRP composites in various civil engineering applications. Advanced composites can really help us build a maintenance-free and sustainable concrete infrastructure.