Durability Gap Analysis for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in Civil Infrastructure.
Durability Gap Analysis for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Composites in Civil Infrastructure.
(95 K)
Karbhari, V. M.; Chin, J. W.; Hunston, D.; Benmokrane,
B.; Juska, T.; Morgan, R.; Lesko, J. J.; Sorathia, U.;
Reynaud, D.
Journal of Composites for Construction, Vol. 73,
238-247, August 2003.
Keywords:
polymers; composite materials; civil engineering; shear
strength; durability
Abstract:
The lack of a comprehensive, validated, and easily
accessible data base for the durability of
fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as related to
civil infrastructure applications has been identified as
a critical barrier to widespread acceptance of these
materials by structural designers and civil engineers.
This concern is emphasized since the structures of
interest are primarily load bearing and are expected to
remain in service over extended periods of time without
significant inspection or maintenance. This paper
presents a synopsis of a gap analysis study undertaken
under the aegis of the Civil Engineering Research
Foundation and the Federal Highway Administration to
identify and prioritize critical gaps in durability
data. The study focuses on the use of FRP in internal
reinforcement, external strengthening, seismic retrofit,
bridge decks, structural profiles, and panels.
Environments of interest are moisture/solution,
alkalinity, creep/relaxation, fatigue, fire, thermal
effects (including freeze-thaw), and ultraviolet
exposure.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899