Viability rubric of fibre-reinforced polymer composites for civil infrastructure applications

Abstract

A comprehensive study was undertaken to investigate the most important factors influencing the increased demand for composite materials such as fibre-reinforced polymers in civil infrastructure applications. Subsequently, this research aimed to perform a conceptual review, which ultimately examines the viability of composite materials for civil infrastructure applications. In doing so, a review of the literature was carried out to determine how composites differ from traditional materials. As such, sustainable material practices were used as a framework. This research then assessed the viability of composite materials for infrastructure and produced a viability rubric. This research found that (a) the biggest trends currently influencing composite use in infrastructures include application-ability, constructability, design-ability and performance-ability. Moreover, innovation, sustainability requirements and economic constraints are also important considerations. Consequently, factors such as recyclability, cost and maintenance are also important inclusions. (b) Although composites have a higher manufacturing cost, the overall life-cycle cost, which includes installation and use costs, can be made more economical than those of traditional materials. Such findings can further promote the use of composite materials for civil infrastructure applications.