Advanced Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Civil Infrastructures

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are being promoted as the materials of 21st century because of their superior corrosion resistance, excellent thermo-mechanical properties, and high strength-to-weight ratio. For over 25 years, the Constructed Facilities Center at West Virginia University (CFC-WVU) has been conducting research on fundamentals of engineering and material sciences, innovation and development including field implementation of FRP composite components and systems for infrastructure applications with emphasis on the enhancement of performance, serviceability and durability over conventional materials. This paper will provide an overview on advanced FRP composites for: 1) highways and bridges including recent pre-fabricated pavement application, 2) utility poles, 3) pipelines, 4) renewable energy harvesting, 5) harsh environmental applications such as chimneys/flues, 6) rapidly deployable housing, 7) natural composites for green buildings, 8) decking for marine and naval structures, 9) advanced retrofitting, and 10) others. The Center has been involved in building a number of structures in the field using FRP composites. Those structures are being monitored for their structural response and durability and have been performing outstandingly, demonstrating remarkable advantages including cost effectiveness. Last, future research directions on materials for civil engineering innovation and structures are presented with emphasis on durability and sustainability.