Abstract
The purpose of this article is to show the modern engineering, in which sustainability and taking care of ecology play a significant role. The authors are focused on FRP composite materials and their applications in civil engineering. Case studies showing renovation and design of new bridges with the use of FRP are presented and discussed to clarify benefits, which this solution provides. Main advantages of FRP materials in comparison with traditional ones, like concrete or steel are showed. The environmental impact of composites is described with respect to all life cycle of a product. Furthermore, some forms of waste management are covered. Last part of the paper refers to scientific description of the pedestrian bridge made of FRP, which was realized under the Fobridge research grant. The group of researchers headed by professor Chrościelewski from Gdansk University of Technology has developed a design solution of the pedestrian bridge manufactured in one production cycle. Moreover, the footbridge construction contains a significant share of a recyclable material commonly called PET. The article contains main characteristics of the structure and production process based on the resin infusion.
Highlights
Achievements in the discipline of materials science and engineering allow us to take a new direction, in which the traditional building materials, such as steel or reinforced concrete can be replaced by fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP)
About 26% of FRP composites world production is applied in the construction industry, [1]
The paper describes some possible applications of FRP composites in bridges from the environmental impact point of view
Summary
Achievements in the discipline of materials science and engineering allow us to take a new direction, in which the traditional building materials, such as steel or reinforced concrete can be replaced by fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP). About 26% of FRP composites world production is applied in the construction industry, [1]. The example of rehabilitation may be a replacement of degraded concrete decks on FRP ones in ageing steel-concrete bridges. Additional advantage of this solution is obtaining less weight of a structure. Material properties like low volume weight and relatively high strength and stiffness at the same time, are the main aspects for which the FRP composites are increasingly being used in structural applications. To effectively evaluate negative impacts on environment, it is necessary to analyse the entire life cycle of a structure This analysis includes three main phases: the production phase, the use phase and the end of life phase. Aspects like time or construction cost, energy consumed with production process and carbon emission pose main environmental threat
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
