Use of FRP in civil engineering systems

• Main Author: Cheah, Wenbin
• Other Authors: Fung Tat Ching
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Civil engineering::Structures and design
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71931
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The aim of this report is to explain and evaluate how Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) are being utilized in civil engineering systems. The use of FRPs in Civil Engineering Systems is growing. As FRPs are light-weight, resistant to corrosion and have high strength, civil engineers are beginning to shift their focus towards FRPs instead of conventional construction materials such as concrete and steel. FRPs are therefore widely utilized in reinforcing bars, seismic retrofitting of concrete columns, rehabilitation of deteriorating concrete structures and hybrid bridge decks. In this report, the emphasis is on Carbon and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs, GFRPs respectively). CFRPs will be under the purview of the author while GFRPs will be covered by Mr. POON BUKCHENG. Single-layer unidirectional (0° or 90°) and multi-layer cross-ply (0°/90°, 0°/90°/0°, 90°/0°/90°) laminates will undergo tensile tests using the Instron 5900R machine to determine the ultimate tensile strength, failure strain, Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio of CFRPs. The orientation and layers of fibre plays a significant role in the material properties of FRPs. Experimental results show that 0° single layer unidirectional CFRP laminates are sufficient in ensuring that the ultimate tensile strength of concrete structures is improved with a negligible reduction in ductility. FRPs are gradually gaining acceptance from civil engineers and authorities worldwide. They are now widely used in the strengthening of deteriorating civil infrastructures. Universities and training schools will need to be updated with the latest developments in FRPs. These improvements will lead to greater usage of FRPs in civil engineering systems.