FRP reinforced polymers (Fibres) usually take the form of unidirectional fibres (typically carbon or glass) embedded within a light polymer matrix material. The fibres provide the strength and stiffness, while the matrix, commonly made of polyester, epoxy or nylon, binds and protects the fibres from damage, and transfers the stresses between fibres. Advantaged of Fibres include high strength, excellent durability and corrosion resistance. Their high strength-to-weight ratio means they can support larger live loads because their weight does not contribute significantly to the loads that it must bear. Other characteristics include ease of installation, versatility, anti-seismic behaviour, electromagnetic neutrality, excellent fatigue behaviour, and fire resistance. Drawbacks include high cost, brittle behaviour, susceptibility to deformation under long-term loads, UV degradation, photo-degradation (from exposure to light), temperature and moisture effects, lack of design codes, and lack of awareness. Structures such as bridges and columns built completely out of Fibre composites have demonstrated exceptional durability, and effective resistance to the effects of environmental exposure. Architects have used Fibres to make siding/cladding, roofing, flooring and partitions. In Canada, engineers have integrated fibre optic sensors into numerous Fibre-reinforced systems to ensure that adequate supervision of the systems is provided.
Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) usually take the form of unidirectional fibres (typically carbon or glass) embedded within a light polymer matrix material. The fibres provide the strength and stiffness, while the matrix, commonly made of polyester, epoxy or nylon, binds and protects the fibres from damage, and transfers the stresses between fibres. Advantaged of FRPs include high strength, excellent durability and corrosion resistance. Their high strength-to-weight ratio means they can support larger live loads because their weight does not contribute significantly to the loads that it must bear. Other characteristics include ease of installation, versatility, anti-seismic behaviour, electromagnetic neutrality, excellent fatigue behaviour, and fire resistance. Drawbacks include high cost, brittle behaviour, susceptibility to deformation under long-term loads, UV degradation, photo-degradation (from exposure to light), temperature and moisture effects, lack of design codes, and lack of awareness. Structures such as bridges and columns built completely out of FRP composites have demonstrated exceptional durability, and effective resistance to the effects of environmental exposure. Architects have used FRPs to make siding/cladding, roofing, flooring and partitions. In Canada, engineers have integrated fibre optic sensors into numerous FRP-reinforced systems to ensure that adequate supervision of the systems is provided.