Viability rubric of FRP composites for civil infrastructure applications

Abstract

A comprehensive study is undertaken to investigate the most important factors influencing the increased demand for composite materials such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), in civil infrastructure applications. Subsequently, the research aimed to develop 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 has found that a) the biggest trends currently influencing composites 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 can be made more economical than traditional materials. Such findings can further promote the use of composite materials for civil Infrastructure applications.