A Review of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Structures

Jawed Qureshi

doi:10.3390/fib10030027

Abstract

This paper reviews Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites in Civil Engineering applications. Three FRP types are used in Structural Engineering: FRP profiles for new construction, FRP rebars and FRP strengthening systems. Basic materials (fibres and resins), manufacturing processes and material properties are discussed. The focus of the paper is on all-FRP new-build structures and their joints. All-FRP structures use pultruded FRP profiles. Their connections and joints use bolting, bonding or a combination of both. For plate-to-pate connections, effects of geometry, fibre direction, type and rate of loading, bolt torque and bolt hole clearance, and washers on failure modes and strength are reviewed. FRP beam-columns joints are also reviewed. The joints are divided into five categories: web cleated, web and flange cleated, high strength, plate bolted and box profile joints. The effect of both static and cyclic loading on joints is studied. The joints’ failure modes are also discussed.

Highlights

Masonry, timber, steel and concrete are traditional materials that have been used in construction for the last 100 years
With an ecological impact of about a third of traditional materials [165], glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) can lead to low carbon construction
Joint detailing from steel structures is not suitable for FRP structures; There is no design code for FRP beam-to-column joints; Available formulae for beam–column joints are taken from plate-plate connections;

Summary

Introduction

Timber, steel and concrete are traditional materials that have been used in construction for the last 100 years. Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is a relatively new Citation: Qureshi, J. A Review of material, which has been used in buildings and bridges for over 50 years. FRP use in marine, Fibre Reinforced Polymer Structures. Automotive and aerospace industries dates back to the 1930s [1,2]; it has been used. Construction uses about a quarter of globally produced.

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