The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, in partnership with the Composites ... more The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, in partnership with the Composites Institute, has initiated a cooperative research project to develop, test, and demonstrate fiber reinforced composite materials systems for in-place strengthening, repair or upgrade of existing concrete civil engineering structures. The goal of this research is the development of fiber reinforced polymer composite material systems for the repair and/or upgrading of concrete columns, beams and decking used in civil engineering structures. The mechanical and physical requirements and cost targets for repair and upgrade materials systems for concrete structures will be established. Preliminary designs for a family of advanced composite material systems will be developed to meet these targets. Laboratory test specimens will then be fabricated and tested. Based on the results of the initial tests, the most promising systems will be further developed and tested. The best composite repair and up...
Abstract: Traditional piling systems are inherently unsuited for harsh waterfront environments. D... more Abstract: Traditional piling systems are inherently unsuited for harsh waterfront environments. Deterioration of wood, concrete, and steel piling systems is estimated to cost the US military and civilian marine and waterfront communities over $1 billion annually. ...
Under the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) International Technology Scanning Pro... more Under the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) International Technology Scanning Program, a team of 13 U.S. bridge engineers and advanced composite experts from Federal and State transportation agencies, academia, and industry conducted a 2-week scanning tour of Europe and Japan. The purpose of the tour was to assess the state of technology in the use of advanced composite materials, known as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) or polymer matrix composites (PMCs), in bridge design and construction. The scanning team visited the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan from 14 to 28 October 1996. The tour included 23 project sites, 1 manufacturing site, and 5 workshops that provided an overview of the developments and applications of PMCs in bridge engineering. The technical findings of the scanning tour can be summarized under three categories: new construction, strengthening of existing structures, and seismic retrofit. This report provides information on the scanning tour objectives, scope, format, and participants. This is followed by summaries of the findings in the topic areas. Project descriptions for each of the sites visited and the workshops are included, followed by brief assessments of the technologies and their potential uses for bridge applications in the United States.
Two highway bridges were constructed with a modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck... more Two highway bridges were constructed with a modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck in West Virginia. Laurel Lick Bridge was built as an all-composite short-span structure. Wickwire Run Bridge was constructed with a modular FRP composite deck supported by steel stringers. This paper presents the fabrication by pultrusion and the field installation of the modular FRP composite deck, and discusses the market potential for bridge construction and replacement.
The February 2017 "Road Mapping Workshop on Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Composites in Sust... more The February 2017 "Road Mapping Workshop on Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Composites in Sustainable Infrastructure" brought together designers, engineers, manufacturers, researchers, owners and end-users to identify barriers and potential solutions. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite products produced in the US offer durable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions in a variety of infrastructure applications as diverse as dams, bridges, highways, railroads, harbors and waterfront structures, utility poles, and buildings. The overall goal of the workshop was to identify the cross-cutting barriers that must be overcome to enable the adoption of world-leading US FRP composite technology, thereby saving construction costs, and creating a durable 21 st century infrastructure that supports economic growth. The workshop was a seminal event; it was the first time that such a complete cross section of interests was assembled to address the specific issue of enabling adoption of FRP composites in infrastructure. The meeting identified three activities (Durability Testing, Design Data Clearinghouse, and Training and Education) that, if enacted, will facilitate wider adoption of FRP composites technology that is potentially more reliable, durable, and costeffective than current solutions. The workshop resulted in a roadmap for addressing barriers to the adoption of FRP composites in infrastructure. Durability Testing: While FRP composites are highly durable and have been used in many applications for over 50 years, other materials, such as steel, wood, and aluminum, have been in widespread use for much longer. The FRP composite products last longer in corrosive environments than these other materials. For example, many of the FRP composite utility poles installed in the 1960s are still in use today, as compared to wood poles that may, in certain harsh environments, require repair or replacement every 25 years to 40 years due to rot, pest damage, and other degradation mechanisms. 1 Over the last 50 years there have been many improvements in FRP composite resin, reinforcements, and processing. Consequently, for these new, advanced materials there is limited real-time aging data. Therefore, to reduce excessive design safety factors and maximize weight-savings, accelerated testing is necessary for the adoption of FRP composites used in long-term structural applications. The workshop participants recommended the development of durability standards, as well as predictive models and data to support those standards. Specifically, a five-year program is recommended to establish testbeds, gather data, and develop models that would result in reliable design tools. The resulting tools would then become widely available to the FRP composites industry, end-users, engineers, architects, and designers through an on-line dataportal. The workshop participants emphasized that industry involvement was vitally important to ensure that the durability standards be commercially relevant. Design Data Clearinghouse: Many FRP composites manufacturers are already designing, manufacturing, and deploying highly successful products across a broad range of infrastructure applications. These companies have information such as design guides and reliable data tables. Some of this design data is publicly available and developed for specific applications. The participants collectively identified the need for a "clearinghouse" to gather, curate, and disseminate this information for infrastructure applications. They envisioned that this project would provide valuable existing data in the near-term, followed with new data being published continuously every year. After three years, the program could be evaluated to see what additional work might be needed.
Abstract : The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites was investigated for purposes of ... more Abstract : The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites was investigated for purposes of enhancing, protecting, repairing, or upgrading reinforced concrete structures. Design methods and repair applications were addressed, as were durability issues and in field test methods for performance verification. Investigations included shear rehabilitation techniques for concrete beams, in field test methods to determine the bond strength of FRP composites, and low temperature evaluation of FRP performance. Field demonstrations included evaluation of carbon fiber reinforced polymer tendons for post-tensioning of double tee beams and wall repair at a sewage treatment facility. Also, a feasibility study and laboratory tests were performed to evaluate glass fiber reinforced polymer cables as tie back tension members, and a test fixture was designed and fabricated to evaluate post stressing tendon drape angle performance. Design examples were developed for shear upgrade of concrete beams, post-tensioning of double tee beams, and tie back rod arrangements. Finally, a model was developed to predict failure mechanisms for reinforced concrete beams with FRP sheets or plates bonded to the bottom tensile face.
The state-of-the-art of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite stay-in-place (SIP) structural f... more The state-of-the-art of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite stay-in-place (SIP) structural form systems for bridge decks is presented in this paper. This technique involves constructing a concrete deck whereby prefabricated FRP components act as both the permanent formwork and the bottom flexural reinforcement. The advantages and limitations of the technology are presented, along with the current progress of experimental and analytical investigations. Extensive laboratory investigation is presented covering numerous aspects of the system, including strength, fatigue, and environmental performance. A variety of system configurations are discussed. Examples of field applications are presented, along with evaluations of cost effectiveness and inspection considerations. The result of these investigations show that FRP SIP formwork systems can be both constructible and meet applicable code requirements for strength and serviceability. Preliminary cost assessments suggest that increases in material costs can be partially offset by savings in labor during installation. Finally, future research needs are identified.
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have existed since the 1940s, but it has only ... more Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have existed since the 1940s, but it has only been recently that their use in concrete construction has become acceptable. Although the research community has made great progress in identifying and quantifying the characteristics of FRP materials and the behavior of concrete members and systems reinforced or prestressed with FRP materials, there is still a lack of understanding and design guidance that limits the broader implementation of FRP materials in concrete applications. To identify perceived research needs associated with the use of FRP materials in concrete applications, members of the ACI Committee on Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement were surveyed. The committee represents experts in industry, practitioners, and academia. Three general needs were identified: (1) design and construction guidelines and specifications; (2) standardized material test methods; and (3) data on the durability of FRP materials and FRP reinforced concrete systems. Specific research needs on durability, fire resistance, repair and retrofit, internally reinforced concrete members, prestressed concrete members, constituent materials and processing, FRP properties and test methods, quality assurance and nondestructive evaluation, design considerations and field applications are discussed.
The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, in partnership with the Composites ... more The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, in partnership with the Composites Institute, has initiated a cooperative research project to develop, test, and demonstrate fiber reinforced composite materials systems for in-place strengthening, repair or upgrade of existing concrete civil engineering structures. The goal of this research is the development of fiber reinforced polymer composite material systems for the repair and/or upgrading of concrete columns, beams and decking used in civil engineering structures. The mechanical and physical requirements and cost targets for repair and upgrade materials systems for concrete structures will be established. Preliminary designs for a family of advanced composite material systems will be developed to meet these targets. Laboratory test specimens will then be fabricated and tested. Based on the results of the initial tests, the most promising systems will be further developed and tested. The best composite repair and up...
Abstract: Traditional piling systems are inherently unsuited for harsh waterfront environments. D... more Abstract: Traditional piling systems are inherently unsuited for harsh waterfront environments. Deterioration of wood, concrete, and steel piling systems is estimated to cost the US military and civilian marine and waterfront communities over $1 billion annually. ...
Under the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) International Technology Scanning Pro... more Under the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) International Technology Scanning Program, a team of 13 U.S. bridge engineers and advanced composite experts from Federal and State transportation agencies, academia, and industry conducted a 2-week scanning tour of Europe and Japan. The purpose of the tour was to assess the state of technology in the use of advanced composite materials, known as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) or polymer matrix composites (PMCs), in bridge design and construction. The scanning team visited the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan from 14 to 28 October 1996. The tour included 23 project sites, 1 manufacturing site, and 5 workshops that provided an overview of the developments and applications of PMCs in bridge engineering. The technical findings of the scanning tour can be summarized under three categories: new construction, strengthening of existing structures, and seismic retrofit. This report provides information on the scanning tour objectives, scope, format, and participants. This is followed by summaries of the findings in the topic areas. Project descriptions for each of the sites visited and the workshops are included, followed by brief assessments of the technologies and their potential uses for bridge applications in the United States.
Two highway bridges were constructed with a modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck... more Two highway bridges were constructed with a modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck in West Virginia. Laurel Lick Bridge was built as an all-composite short-span structure. Wickwire Run Bridge was constructed with a modular FRP composite deck supported by steel stringers. This paper presents the fabrication by pultrusion and the field installation of the modular FRP composite deck, and discusses the market potential for bridge construction and replacement.
The February 2017 "Road Mapping Workshop on Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Composites in Sust... more The February 2017 "Road Mapping Workshop on Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Composites in Sustainable Infrastructure" brought together designers, engineers, manufacturers, researchers, owners and end-users to identify barriers and potential solutions. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite products produced in the US offer durable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions in a variety of infrastructure applications as diverse as dams, bridges, highways, railroads, harbors and waterfront structures, utility poles, and buildings. The overall goal of the workshop was to identify the cross-cutting barriers that must be overcome to enable the adoption of world-leading US FRP composite technology, thereby saving construction costs, and creating a durable 21 st century infrastructure that supports economic growth. The workshop was a seminal event; it was the first time that such a complete cross section of interests was assembled to address the specific issue of enabling adoption of FRP composites in infrastructure. The meeting identified three activities (Durability Testing, Design Data Clearinghouse, and Training and Education) that, if enacted, will facilitate wider adoption of FRP composites technology that is potentially more reliable, durable, and costeffective than current solutions. The workshop resulted in a roadmap for addressing barriers to the adoption of FRP composites in infrastructure. Durability Testing: While FRP composites are highly durable and have been used in many applications for over 50 years, other materials, such as steel, wood, and aluminum, have been in widespread use for much longer. The FRP composite products last longer in corrosive environments than these other materials. For example, many of the FRP composite utility poles installed in the 1960s are still in use today, as compared to wood poles that may, in certain harsh environments, require repair or replacement every 25 years to 40 years due to rot, pest damage, and other degradation mechanisms. 1 Over the last 50 years there have been many improvements in FRP composite resin, reinforcements, and processing. Consequently, for these new, advanced materials there is limited real-time aging data. Therefore, to reduce excessive design safety factors and maximize weight-savings, accelerated testing is necessary for the adoption of FRP composites used in long-term structural applications. The workshop participants recommended the development of durability standards, as well as predictive models and data to support those standards. Specifically, a five-year program is recommended to establish testbeds, gather data, and develop models that would result in reliable design tools. The resulting tools would then become widely available to the FRP composites industry, end-users, engineers, architects, and designers through an on-line dataportal. The workshop participants emphasized that industry involvement was vitally important to ensure that the durability standards be commercially relevant. Design Data Clearinghouse: Many FRP composites manufacturers are already designing, manufacturing, and deploying highly successful products across a broad range of infrastructure applications. These companies have information such as design guides and reliable data tables. Some of this design data is publicly available and developed for specific applications. The participants collectively identified the need for a "clearinghouse" to gather, curate, and disseminate this information for infrastructure applications. They envisioned that this project would provide valuable existing data in the near-term, followed with new data being published continuously every year. After three years, the program could be evaluated to see what additional work might be needed.
Abstract : The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites was investigated for purposes of ... more Abstract : The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites was investigated for purposes of enhancing, protecting, repairing, or upgrading reinforced concrete structures. Design methods and repair applications were addressed, as were durability issues and in field test methods for performance verification. Investigations included shear rehabilitation techniques for concrete beams, in field test methods to determine the bond strength of FRP composites, and low temperature evaluation of FRP performance. Field demonstrations included evaluation of carbon fiber reinforced polymer tendons for post-tensioning of double tee beams and wall repair at a sewage treatment facility. Also, a feasibility study and laboratory tests were performed to evaluate glass fiber reinforced polymer cables as tie back tension members, and a test fixture was designed and fabricated to evaluate post stressing tendon drape angle performance. Design examples were developed for shear upgrade of concrete beams, post-tensioning of double tee beams, and tie back rod arrangements. Finally, a model was developed to predict failure mechanisms for reinforced concrete beams with FRP sheets or plates bonded to the bottom tensile face.
The state-of-the-art of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite stay-in-place (SIP) structural f... more The state-of-the-art of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite stay-in-place (SIP) structural form systems for bridge decks is presented in this paper. This technique involves constructing a concrete deck whereby prefabricated FRP components act as both the permanent formwork and the bottom flexural reinforcement. The advantages and limitations of the technology are presented, along with the current progress of experimental and analytical investigations. Extensive laboratory investigation is presented covering numerous aspects of the system, including strength, fatigue, and environmental performance. A variety of system configurations are discussed. Examples of field applications are presented, along with evaluations of cost effectiveness and inspection considerations. The result of these investigations show that FRP SIP formwork systems can be both constructible and meet applicable code requirements for strength and serviceability. Preliminary cost assessments suggest that increases in material costs can be partially offset by savings in labor during installation. Finally, future research needs are identified.
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have existed since the 1940s, but it has only ... more Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have existed since the 1940s, but it has only been recently that their use in concrete construction has become acceptable. Although the research community has made great progress in identifying and quantifying the characteristics of FRP materials and the behavior of concrete members and systems reinforced or prestressed with FRP materials, there is still a lack of understanding and design guidance that limits the broader implementation of FRP materials in concrete applications. To identify perceived research needs associated with the use of FRP materials in concrete applications, members of the ACI Committee on Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement were surveyed. The committee represents experts in industry, practitioners, and academia. Three general needs were identified: (1) design and construction guidelines and specifications; (2) standardized material test methods; and (3) data on the durability of FRP materials and FRP reinforced concrete systems. Specific research needs on durability, fire resistance, repair and retrofit, internally reinforced concrete members, prestressed concrete members, constituent materials and processing, FRP properties and test methods, quality assurance and nondestructive evaluation, design considerations and field applications are discussed.
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