How can you improve structural strength with FRP composites?

1 Why use FRP composites?

FRP composites are ideal for structural retrofitting and rehabilitation because they can enhance the strength and stiffness of existing structures without adding significant weight or altering their geometry. FRP composites can also bond well with various substrates, such as concrete, steel, wood, or masonry, and conform to complex shapes and surfaces. FRP composites can be applied as external wraps, sheets, plates, rods, or bars, depending on the configuration and loading of the structure. FRP composites can also be customized to suit different design requirements, such as fiber orientation, fiber volume fraction, and matrix properties.

2 How to use FRP composites for beams?

Beams are horizontal structural elements that support vertical loads, such as floors, roofs, or bridges. Beams can fail due to bending, shear, or torsion, depending on the magnitude and direction of the applied loads. FRP composites can be used to increase the flexural, shear, or torsional capacity of beams by providing additional reinforcement or confinement. For example, FRP sheets or plates can be bonded to the tension side of beams to increase their flexural strength and stiffness. FRP wraps or jackets can be applied to the ends or the entire length of beams to increase their shear strength and ductility. FRP rods or bars can be inserted into the core or along the perimeter of beams to increase their torsional strength and stability.

3 How to use FRP composites for columns?

Columns are vertical structural elements that support compressive loads, such as walls, columns, or piers. Columns can fail due to buckling, crushing, or spalling, depending on the slenderness and confinement of the cross-section. FRP composites can be used to increase the compressive strength and ductility of columns by providing additional reinforcement or confinement. For example, FRP sheets or plates can be bonded to the sides of columns to increase their buckling resistance and stiffness. FRP wraps or jackets can be applied to the entire cross-section of columns to increase their crushing resistance and ductility. FRP rods or bars can be inserted into the core or along the corners of columns to increase their spalling resistance and durability.

4 How to use FRP composites for slabs?

Slabs are flat structural elements that support distributed loads, such as floors, decks, or pavements. Slabs can fail due to cracking, punching, or delamination, depending on the span and support conditions. FRP composites can be used to increase the tensile, shear, or bond strength of slabs by providing additional reinforcement or protection. For example, FRP sheets or plates can be bonded to the top or bottom surface of slabs to increase their cracking resistance and stiffness. FRP wraps or jackets can be applied to the edges or the openings of slabs to increase their punching resistance and ductility. FRP coatings or sealants can be applied to the exposed surface of slabs to increase their bond strength and durability.

5 How to use FRP composites for walls?

Walls are vertical structural elements that support lateral loads, such as wind, earthquake, or blast. Walls can fail due to bending, shear, or out-of-plane deformation, depending on the aspect ratio and boundary conditions. FRP composites can be used to increase the flexural, shear, or out-of-plane strength of walls by providing additional reinforcement or confinement. For example, FRP sheets or plates can be bonded to the inner or outer face of walls to increase their bending strength and stiffness. FRP wraps or jackets can be applied to the corners or the openings of walls to increase their shear strength and ductility. FRP rods or bars can be inserted into the core or along the edges of walls to increase their out-of-plane strength and stability.