Construction is rapidly becoming the leading outlet for FRP composites. Although the use of composite materials in construction started in the 1980s, civil engineers only recently started gaining confidence in this technology for use in primary structural applications. Despite the considerable technological developments in this field, there are still key scientific and logistical issues that need to be addressed for the widespread acceptance in construction. For example, existing design recommendations are largely based on work carried out more than fifteen years ago on first generation reinforcing products and their conservativeness is hindering the development of innovative and more efficient products and design solutions.
This Action aims to: coordinate European research in the field; develop and maintain a critical mass of researchers; offer a link between academia and industry; and develop a new generation of design guidelines based on European Standards. This will facilitate the adoption of European products not only in Europe but also internationally and help Europe stay one step ahead of International competitors.
Composites - Fibre Reinforced Polymers - Strengthening - Design Guidelines - Life Cycle Analysis
