Fibre-reinforced polymers in reinforced and prestressed concrete applications: moving forward
Article
Recent developments in the use of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) in reinforced and prestressed concrete applications are reviewed. The influence of FRP material properties on the design of concrete structures is considered and applications are discussed in conjunction with the structural function of the FRP reinforcement. The review includes examples of the practical implementation of the technology and addresses important durability issues. A number of future considerations/research needs are identified and the requirement for the provision of standard, sustainable and cost-effective FRP solutions is highlighted. It is concluded that although there have been significant advances in our knowledge of the behaviour of FRP-concrete structures, the timeframe in which FRPs will no longer be considered as new materials remains ambiguous.