Carbon emissions of durable FRP composite structures in civil engineering

Abstract

Conventional structural materials—concrete and steel—have been producing a substantial amount of carbon emissions to the earth, accounting for over 50 % of industrial emissions worldwide. An urgent call has been made for an alternative structural material with a better environmental impact. In this regard, this work investigated the carbon emissions of durable FRP composite structures in civil engineering. Three typical FRP composite structures were focused, including pedestrian bridges constructed by FRP structural profiles, concrete structures reinforced by FRP rebars, and existing concrete and steel structures strengthened by FRP sheets. Carbon emissions were investigated in terms of the carbon footprints per available dataset. Direct carbon reductions were observed in three FRP composite structures, and also, indirect carbon reductions were discussed, including FRP reinforcement for concrete structures and FRP enclosure for houses. The observed carbon reductions realized by FRP composite structures successfully showcased their great potential in reducing the carbon emissions in civil engineering.