Fiber Reinforced

Plastic/ Polymer (FRP)

Composite Materials
 Definition of Composites
• Composites are a combination of two or more materials
yielding properties superior to those of the individual
ingredients. Composites are materials made by combining two or more different
materials to create something that is stronger or better than each one alone.
• One material is in the form of a particulate or fiber, called
the reinforcement or discrete phase. The other is a
formable solid, called the matrix or continuous phase.
• The region where the reinforcement and matrix meet is
called the interface.
• Composite properties are determined by chemical and
mechanical interaction of the combined materials.
The matrix transfers the load (force) to the strong fibers.
The fibers resist the force, helping the composite stay strong.
Their chemical and physical bonding determines the final strength.
 Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC): Metal Matrix Composites (MMC):
Matrix is a ceramic. Matrix is a metal (like aluminum or
COMPOSITES Very heat and wear-resistant.
titanium).
Strong and heat-resistant.
Used in engines and turbines Used in aerospace, cars, etc.
Composites can be classified by their matrix material which include:

• Metal matrix composites (MMC’s) [A metal matrix composite

(MMC) is composite material with at least two constituent parts, one
being a metal necessarily, the other material may be a different metal

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or another material, such as a ceramic or organic compound. ]

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• Ceramic matrix composites (CMC’s) [ceramic fibres embedded
in a ceramic matrix, thus forming a ceramic fibre reinforced ceramic
(CFRC] Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC):
Matrix is a plastic or resin.Most common
type.Lightweight and used in many everyday
products.
• Polymer matrix composites (PMC’s) or sometimes referred
to as organic matrix composites (OMC’s)

A polymer (Greek poly-, "many" + -mer, "parts") is a large

molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits
 COMPOSITES
PMC - Polymer Matrix Composites
• The matrix is relatively soft and flexible
• The reinforcement must have high strength and
stiffness [Stiffness is the rigidity of an object — the extent to which it
resists deformation in response to an applied force]

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• Since the load must be transferred from matrix to

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reinforcement, the reinforcement-matrix bond must be
strong

This lecture is limited to the application of the subset of composites

called Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) that combine fibers of glass
or other materials (the reinforcement) with thermoset and/or
thermoplastic resins (the matrix). Special Case: FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic)
FRP = Fibers (like glass) + Plastic (resin)
Strong, light, and corrosion-resistant.
Used in buildings, boats, cars, aircraft, sports gear, etc.
COMPOSITES
Composites can be found in:
• Boat hulls (watertight body of a ship or boat)
• The aerospace industry (structural components as
well as engines and motors)
• Automotive parts (panels, frames, dashboards,

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body repairs)

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• Sinks, bathtubs, hot tubs, swimming pools
• Cement buildings, bridges
• Surfboards, snowboards, skis
• Golf clubs, fishing poles, hockey sticks
• Plywood
• Electrical boxes, circuit boards, contacts
• Everywhere
 U.S. COMPOSITES SHIPMENTS - 1996 MARKET SHARE
SEMI-ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT - AUGUST 26, 1996

Aircraft/Aerospace
Transportation 0.7%
30.6%
Construction
20%

Other- 3.4%

Consumer
Products - 6%
Marine - 11.6%
Electrical/
Electronic - 10%
Appliance/Business
Corrosion-Resistant Equipment - 5.3%
Equipment - 12.4%

SOURCE: SPI Composites Institute

 Basic terms
[Stiffness is the rigidity of an object — the extent to which it resists
deformation in response to an applied force]
A stiff material needs more force to deform compared to a soft material.
The Young's modulus is a measure of the stiffness of a solid material.
Do not confuse:

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▪ stiffness with hardness: the hardness of a material defines the relative
resistance that its surface imposes against the penetration of a harder
body;
▪ stiffness with toughness: toughness is the amount of energy that a
material can absorb before fracturing.
Stiffness
Stiffness means how hard it is to bend or stretch a material.If something is very stiff, it needs a lot of
force to change its shape.
Think of a steel rod—you can’t bend it easily, so it’s stiff.
Hardness is how well a material can resist being scratched or dented.
Example: Glass is hard (it doesn’t scratch easily), but it’s not very stiff or strong.
Toughness is how much energy a material can take before breaking.A tough material can absorb
shocks without cracking.
Example: Rubber is tough—it bends and stretches a lot before breaking.
FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES
polymer (plastic) material + strong fibers
• Fiber reinforced composites provide improved
strength, fatigue resistance, Young’s modulus and
strength to weight ratio over the constituent materials.

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• Generally speaking the FIBER supplies the strength and

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stiffness while the MATRIX binds the fibers together
and provides a means of transferring the load between
fibers

• The matrix also provides protection for the fibers.

DEFINITION
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites
are defined as:

“A matrix of polymeric material that is

reinforced by fibers or other reinforcing
material”
FRP COMPOSITE CONSTITUENTS
This is the base material—a kind of plastic that holds everything together

• RESINS (POLYMERS)/[MATRIX]
These are strong materials like glass or carbon
• REINFORCEMENTS fibers. They add strength and stiffness.
These are extra materials added to make the product cheaper,
• FILLERS lighter, or to give special features.
These are used to improve properties like color, durability, or
• ADDITIVES resistance to fire, UV, etc.
 FRP COMPOSITE CONSTITUENTS [cont..]

The polymer is the “glue” that holds the composite and

influence the physical properties of the composite end
product.

The reinforcement provides the mechanical strength

properties to the end product.

The fillers and additives are processing aids and also impart
“special” properties to the end product.

Other materials include core materials. Depending on

application, core materials provide stiffness while being
 POLYMER MATRIX MATERIAL
• Polymers are generally petrochemical or natural gas
derivatives
• There are two basic categories of polymer matrices:
• Thermoplastics

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• Thermoset plastics
• Roughly 95% of the composite market uses
thermosetting plastics

➢ The primary physical difference is that thermoplastics can be

remelted back into a liquid, whereas thermoset plastics always
remain in a permanent solid state. Thermoplastics
Can melt and be reshaped again and again.
Think of it like butter – it melts when heated
➢ Example of butter and bread. and becomes solid again when cooled.
RESINS (POLYMERS)/[MATRIX]
• THERMOSET : Polyester, Vinyl Ester, Epoxy,
Phenolic, Polyurethane
• THERMOPLASTIC: Acetal, Acryronitrile
Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Nylon, Polyethylene
(PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET)
 RESINS (POLYMERS)/[MATRIX]
Common Thermosetting Plastics:
• Phenolics: good electrical properties, often used in circuit board
applications
• Epoxies: low solvent emission (fumes) upon curing, low shrink

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rate upon polymerization which produces a relatively residual

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stress-free bond with the reinforcement, it is the matrix material
that produces the highest strength and stiffness, often used in
aerospace applications
• Polyester: most commonly used resin, slightly weaker than
epoxy but about half the price, produces emission when curing,
These are the materials
used widely that hold the fibers together in a composite. They give shape to the
material and affect how the final product behaves.
Common Thermosetting Resins (can’t be reshaped once set):
Phenolics: Good for electrical uses like circuit boards.
Epoxies: Very strong and stiff, low fumes, used in airplanes.
Polyester: Most common and cheaper than epoxy, but a bit weaker and gives off fumes during
setting.
 Reinforcements/ Fibers Natural fibers like sisal, hemp, and flax are also used,
• Three main types of fibers but only in products that don’t need to resist moisture
or high strength.
• Fiberglass Glass Fibers:
Most commonly used.Strong, water-
• Carbon fiber or Graphite resistant, electrically insulating, but
less stiff.
• Organic fibers, aramids (kevlar) Made from silica andmetal oxides.
Natural fibers such as sisal, hemp and flax have been used for many
applications with low strength requirements. They are limited to
applications not requiring resistance to moisture or high humidity.
 GLASS FIBERS Most commonly used.
Strong, water-resistant, electrically insulating, but less stiff.
Made from silica and metal oxides.
• Glass fibers are the most commonly used reinforcement
• High strength, good water resistance and electric insulating properties
and low stiffness.
• They are all compounds of silica with a variety of metallic oxides

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Designation: Property or Characteristic:

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E, electrical low electrical conductivity
S, strength high strength
C, chemical high chemical durability
M, modulus high stiffness
A, alkali high alkali or soda lime glass

The most commonly used glass is E-glass, this is the most popular
because of it’s cost
ARAMID FIBERS
❑They have the highest level of specific strength of all the
common fibers. [The specific strength is a material's strength (force per
unit area at failure) divided by its density. It is also known as the strength-to-
weight ratio or strength/weight ratio. ]

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❑They are commonly used when a degree of impact resistance is

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required such as in ballistic resistance.
❑ Superior resistance to damage (energy absorber)
❑ Good in tension applications (cables, tendons)
Very strong compared to weight (best strength-to-
❑ Moderate stiffness weight ratio).
Used for impact resistance, like in bulletproof
❑ More expensive than glass vests.Good for tension (pulling force) – used in
❑ The most common type of aramid is kevlar
cables, ropes.Moderately stiff, but more expensive
than glass.
The most well-known type is Kevlar.
 FIBER REINFORCEMENT
Very stiff and strong, even at high temperatures.Much lighter
• CARBON and stronger than steel and aluminum.
Carbon fiber is 5x stronger and 5x lighter than steel.Compared
• Good Modulus at High Temperatures
to aluminum, it’s 7x stronger, 2x stiffer, and 1.5x lighter.
• Excellent Stiffness
But they’re:Expensive Brittle Poor electrical insulators
• More Expensive than Glass
Originally used in aerospace, now also used in cars, buildings,
• Brittle and even paper-making machines.
• Low Electric Insulating Properties
“Carbon fiber composites are five times stronger than steel yet five
times lighter. In comparison to aluminum, carbon fiber composites are
seven times stronger and two times stiffer yet still 1.5 times lighter”

Initially used exclusively by the aerospace industry; they are becoming

more and more common in fields such as automotive, civil
infrastructure, and paper production
TYPICAL PROPERTIES OF STRUCTURAL
FIBERS
Fiber Density E- Tensile Elong.
Type (kg/m3) Modulus Strength (%)
(GPa) (GPa)
E-Glass 2.54 72.5 1.72-3.45 2.5
S-Glass 2.49 87 2.53-4.48 2.9
Kevlar 29 1.45 85 2.27-3.80 2.8
Kevlar 49 1.45 117 2.27-3.80 1.8
Carbon 1.80 227 2.80-5.10 1.1
(HS)
Carbon 1.80-1.86 370 1.80 0.5
(HM)
Carbon 1.86-2.10 350-520 1.00-1.75 0.2
(UHM)
Materials with a higher percentage elongation can stretch more before breaking
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF REINFORCING
FIBERS
Fiber Type Advantages Disadvantages

E-Glass, S-Glass High Strength, Low Stiffness,

Low Cost Fatigue
Aramid High Strength, Low Compr.
Low Density Str., High
Moisture
Absorption
HS Carbon High Strength High Cost
and Stiffness
UHM Carbon Very High Low Strength,
Stiffness High Cost
COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE FORMS OF
REINFORCEMENT

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Above Left: Roving
Above Right: Filaments
Right: Close up of a roving
COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE FORMS OF
REINFORCEMENT

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Random mat and woven fabric
(glass fibers)
COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE FORMS OF
REINFORCEMENT

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Carbon fiber woven fabric
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIBER REINFORCED
COMPOSITES

• Many factors must be considered when

designing a fiber-reinforced composite including
the length, diameter, orientation, amount and

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properties of the constituents, and the bonding
between them.
• The method used to produce the final product
is also very important as it dictates the type of
properties and the quality of the product.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIBER REINFORCED
COMPOSITES
• Fiber length and diameter: Fiber dimensions are characterized
by their aspect ratio l/d where l is the fiber length and d is the
diameter.

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• The strength improves when the aspect ratio is large.

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• Typical fiber diameters are from 10 mm to 150 mm.
• Fibers often fracture because of surface imperfections. Making
the diameter small reduces its surface area, which has fewer
flaws.
• Long fibers are preferred because the ends of the fiber carry
less of the load. Thus the longer the fiber, the fewer the ends
and the higher the load carrying capacity of the fibers.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIBER REINFORCED
COMPOSITES
• As can be seen from this plot, the strength of the composite
increases as the fiber length increases (this is a chopped E-glass-
epoxy composite)

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 FIBER ORIENTATION

• Maximum strength is obtained

when long fibers are oriented
parallel to the applied load

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• The effect of fiber orientation and

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strength can be seen in the plot

Isotropy is uniformity in all orientations

Anisotropy implies different properties

in different directions
 Fibers are strongest when they’re lined up in the

FIBER ORIENTATION
same direction as the force.
Imagine pulling a rope: it holds best when the force
is along its length.This is called unidirectional
orientation (Figure a).
• The properties of All fibers go one way = strongest in that direction.
fiber composites can When fibers are placed in multiple directions, it's
be tailored to meet called quasi-isotropic (Figure b). This makes the
material strong in all directions (like fabric woven in
different loading both horizontal and vertical threads).
requirements

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• By using
combinations of
different fiber
orientation quasi-
isotropic materials
may be produced
Isotropic materials: Same properties in all directions
Example: Steel Figure (a) shows a unidirectional arrangement
Anisotropic materials: Different strength depending on the direction
Figure (b) shows a quasi-isotropic arrangement
Example: Unidirectional fiber composites
FIBER ORIENTATION
• A three dimensional weave is also possible
• This could be found when fabrics are knitted or weaved
together

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 Strong Stiff Lightweight high melting point

FIBER PROPERTIES
• In most fiber-reinforced composites, the fibers are strong, stiff
and lightweight.
• If the composite is to be used at elevated temperatures, the
fiber should also have a high melting temperature.

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• The specific strength and specific modulus of fibers are

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important characteristics given by:

TS E
Specific Strength = Specific modulus =
 

Where TS is the tensile strength, E is the elastic modulus and  is the

density.
FIBER PROPERTIES
• Below is a graph showing specific strength vs. specific modulus for
different types of fibers

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FIBER PROPERTIES - DENSITY (g/cm3)

Steel 8

Alum 2.76

E-Glass 1.99

S-Glass 1.99

Carbon 1.59

Aramid 1.38

0 2 4 6 8 10
FIBER PROPERTIES-TENSILE STRENGTH

Alum 20

Steel 60

S-Glass 625

Carbon 530

Aramid 525

E-Glass 500

0 200 400 600 800

x103 psi
FIBER PROPERTIES- STRAIN TO FAILURE
Alum 0.2

Steel 0.16

S-Glass 5

E-Glass 4.8

Aramid 2.8

Carbon 1.4
(%)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Glass has very good impact resistance due to their high

strain to failure, when compared to other fibers.
 FIBER PROPERTIES - CTE [coefficients of thermal
expansion] - Longitudinal

14 12.6
12
10
8 6.5
6 5
x10-6/0C 4 2.9
2 0.5
0
-2 Aramid Carbon S-Glass E-Glass Steel Alum
-2
-4
CTE measures the fractional change in size per degree change in
temperature at a constant pressure.
Carbon and aramid fibers can have small or negative CTE.
 FIBER PROPERTIES- THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Thermal conductivity is the property of a material to conduct heat

1600 1500
1400
1200
1000
x10-6/0C 800
600
400
200 115
1.5 7.5
0
FRP Steel Alum Concrete

BTU-in/hr-ft2 - 0F
DESIGN VARIABLES FOR COMPOSITES
• TYPE OF FIBER
• PERCENTAGE OF FIBER or FIBER VOLUME
• ORIENTATION OF FIBER
• 0o, 90o, +45o, -45o
• TYPE OF POLYMER (RESIN)
• COST
• VOLUME OF PRODUCT - MANUFACTURING METHOD
DESIGN VARIABLES FOR COMPOSITES [cont]
By varying these parameters, a broad range of
mechanical properties are possible.

For example, a composite which has all the fibers

aligned in one direction, it is stiff and strong in that
direction, but in the transverse direction, it will
have a lower modulus and low strength.

Also, the fiber volume fraction heavily depends on

the method of manufacture. Generally, The higher
the fiber content the stronger the composite.
 TAILORING COMPOSITE PROPERTIES
❑ By carefully selecting the fiber, resin and
manufacturing process, designers can tailor
composites to meet final product requirements.
❑ Fiber orientation can maximize strength in one or
more directions.
❑ Composite laminates may be designed to be isotropic
(uniform properties in all directions, independent of
applied load) or anisotropic (properties only apparent
in the direction of the applied load).
❑ Understanding layered or laminate structures
behavior is very important in designing effective
composite parts or structures.
 Pultrusion
Pultrusion is a manufacturing process for producing
continuous lengths of reinforced polymer
structural shapes with constant cross-sections.

Raw materials are a liquid resin mixture

(containing resin, fillers and specialized additives)
and flexible reinforcing fibers.
 Pultrusion

1 - Continuous roll of reinforced 4 - Resin soaked fiber

fibers/woven fiber mat 5 - Die and heat source
2 - Tension roller 6 - Pull mechanism
3 - Resin Impregnator 7 - Finished hardened fiber reinforced
polymer
MANUFACTURING OF POLYMER-MATRIX
COMPOSITES
Hand Lay-Up/Spray-Up
• Oldest and most commonly used manufacturing method
• Usually used to produce polyester or epoxy resin parts such as boat hulls,

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tanks and vessels, pick-up truck canopies

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• The method is quite simple, the resin and reinforcement is placed against the
surface of an open (one sided) mold and allowed to cure or in the case of
spray-up the resin/reinforcement is sprayed onto the mold with a spray gun

 Often a gel coat is applied to the mold prior to produce a

better surface quality and protect the composite from
the elements
 A gel coat is a resin usually 0.4 to 0.7 mm thick,
commonly seen on the outer surface of smaller boats
MANUFACTURING OF POLYMER-MATRIX COMPOSITES
Hand Lay-Up/Spray-Up
• The pros of this process include: low initial start up
cost, easy to change mold/design, on-site production
possible (ie portable process)
• The cons include: labor intensive, the quality of parts

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depends on operator’s skill and therefore inconsistent.
Internal Reinforcement;;;;; External Strengthening of RC
FRP bars or rods are used inside concrete Structures
instead of traditional steel.These materials do FRP sheets or strips are glued to the
not rust, making them great for places where outside of concrete to make the
corrosion is a problem structure stronger or to repair
Example: FRP rebars in beams, slabs, and damaged areas.
columns.
Useful for retrofitting old buildings or
strengthening after damage (like from
earthquakes).

Example: Wrapping columns with

Hybrid Structures with Traditional carbon FRP sheets to prevent
Materials cracking.
FRP is combined with steel or concrete
to create hybrid systems. Fully Composite Structures
These use the best properties of both Structures made entirely out of FRP.
materials—like steel’s stiffness and Very lightweight, strong, and durable,
FRP’s light weight and corrosion but also more expensive.
resistance. Used in special applications like
Example: A bridge with a concrete deck pedestrian bridges, temporary
and FRP reinforcements. structures, or places where weight is
critical.
FRP materials are used in construction to make structures stronger, more durable, and
lightweight.
Seismic Retrofitting with CFRP laminates
Benefits Of FRP /Nature of Composites: Advantages
❑ High strength to weight ratio or high specific strength
ratio.
❑ High tensile strength at elevated temperatures
❑ High toughness
❑ Generally perform better than steel or aluminum in
applications where cyclic loads are encountered leading
to potential fatigue failure (i.e. helicopter blades).
❑ Orientated strength
❑ Design flexibility
❑ Lightweight
❑ Corrosion resistance
Benefits Of FRP /Nature of Composites: Advantages
❑ Low maintenance/long-term durability
❑ Large part size possible
❑ Tailored aesthetic appearance
❑ Dimensional stability i.e. changes due to temp changes
can be much less.
❑ Low thermal conductivity
❑ Low installed costs
❑ Impact loads or vibration – composites can be specially
formulated with high toughness and high damping to
reduce these load inputs.
 Benefits and Features of FRP / Composites

Corrosion Resistance
• FRP do not rust, corrode or rot, and they resist attack
from most industrial and household chemicals.

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• This quality has been responsible for applications in

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corrosive environments such as those found in the
chemical processing and water treatment industries.
• Resistance to corrosion provides long life and low
maintenance in marine applications from sailboats and
minesweepers to seawall and offshore oil platforms.
 Benefits and Features of FRP / Composites
High Strength, Lightweight
• FRP provide high strength to weight rations exceeding
those of aluminum or steel.
• High strength, lightweight FRP are a rational choice
whenever weight savings are desired, such as components

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for the transportation industry.
Dimensional Stability [Ability of a material to maintain its essential
or original dimensions while being used for its intended purpose]
• FRP/Composites have high dimensional stability under
varying physical, environmental, and thermal stresses.
• This is one of the most useful properties of
FRP/Composites.
 Benefits and Features of FRP / Composites
Parts Consolidation and Tooling Minimization
• A single FRP composite molding often replaces an assembly of
several metal parts and associated fasteners, reducing assembly and
handling time, simplifying inventory, and reducing manufacturing
costs.

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• A single FRP/Composite tool can replace several progressive tools

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required in metal stamping.
High Dielectric Strength and Low Moisture Absorption
• The excellent electrical insulating properties and low moisture
absorption of FRP/Composites qualify them for use in primary
support applications such as circuit breaker housings, and where
low moisture absorption is required.
Dielectric Strength : Of an insulating material, the maximum electric field that a pure
material can withstand under ideal conditions without breaking down
 Benefits and Features of FRP / Composites

Minimum Finishing Required

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• FRP/Composites can be pigmented as part of the mixing operation or

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coated as part of the molding process, often eliminating the need
for painting.
• This is particularly cost effective for large components such as
tub/shower units.
• Also, on critical appearance components, a class “A” surface
(surfaces which are visible in a product) is achieved.
 Benefits and Features of FRP / Composites

Design Flexibility
• No other major material system offers the design flexibility of
FRP/Composites.
• They range from commercial fishing boat hulls and decks to truck

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fenders, from parabolic TV antennas to transit seating, and from

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outdoor lamp housings to seed hoppers.
Low to Moderate Tooling Costs
•Tooling for FRP/Composites usually represents a small part of the
product cost.
•For either large-volume mass-production or limited runs, tooling
cost is normally substantially lower than that of the multiple forming
tools required to produce a similar finished part in metal.
 Nature of Composites: Disadvantages

• Material costs
• Fabrication/ manufacturing difficulties
• Repair can be difficult
• Properties non-isotropic makes design difficult.
• Inspection and testing typically more complex.
Applications of FRP Composites in Civil Engineering
❑Civil engineering structures, fabricated entirely from
advanced polymer composite material, known as all-
polymer/fibre composite structures
❑Bridge enclosures and fairings
❑Bridge decks
❑External reinforcement rehabilitation and retrofitting to
RC structures (including FRP confining of concrete
columns)
❑External reinforcement rehabilitation and retrofitting to
steel structures
❑Internal reinforcement to concrete members
❑FRP/concrete duplex beam construction
❑Polymer bridge bearings and vibration absorbers
 Four Different Structural Upgrading Procedures

❑ Repair to an RC structural member implies the filling of cracks by

the injection of a polymer into the crack.
❑ Rehabilitation of a structural member (of any type) refers to the
improvement of a functional deficiency of that member, such as
caused by severe degradation, by providing it with additional
strength and stiffness to return it to its original structural form.
❑ Strengthening of a structural member is specific to the
enhancement of the existing designed performance level.
❑ Retrofit is used to relate to the upgrading of a structural member
damaged during a seismic event.
 BRIDGE ENCLOSURES
▪ The function of ‘bridge enclosures’ is to erect a ‘floor’ underneath
the girder of a steel composite bridge to provide access for
inspection and maintenance.

Photograph of the enclosure on the approach span

of the Dartford River Bridge
 BRIDGE DECKS
Recently, FRP deck replacements in conjunction with FRP
superstructure replacement for road bridges have been carried out.
This type of construction is becoming popular for replacement decks of
bridges up to 20 m span. Figure 43.4 illustrates a typical cross-section
of a bridge deck.
 BRIDGE DECKS [cont..]
The reasons for FRP material being used in particular circumstances are:
• The bridge deck is the most vulnerable element in the bridge
system because it is exposed to the direct actions of wheel loads,
chemical attack, and temperature/moisture effects including freeze–
thaw shrinkage and humidity; FRP material characteristics satisfy
these requirements
• Reduced future maintenance (FRP composites are durable
materials)
• Quick installation owing to pre-fabrication and easy handling.

In the USA over 100 concrete bridge decks have been replaced by FRP
deck installations, most of which have been built using proprietary
experimental systems and details. The lack of standardization is a
challenge to bridge engineers, who traditionally have been accustomed
to standard shapes, sizes and material properties.
 Internal Reinforcement to Concrete Members
The features and benefits of using FRP rebars are:
• They are non-corrosive – they will not corrode when exposed to a
wide variety of corrosive elements, including chloride ions, and are not
susceptible to carbonation-initiated corrosion in a concrete environment
• They are non-conductive – they provide good electrical and thermal
insulation
• They are fatigue resistant – they perform well in cyclic loading
situations
• They are impact resistant – they resist sudden and severe point loading
• They have magnetic transparency – they are not affected by electro-
magnetic fields.