FRP Materials and Concrete - Research Needs

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have existed since the 1940s, but it has only been recently that their use in concrete construction has become acceptable. Although the research community has made great progress in identifying and quantifying the characteristics of FRP materials and the behavior of concrete members and systems reinforced or prestressed with FRP materials, there is still a lack of understanding and design guidance that limits the broader implementation of FRP materials in concrete applications. To identify perceived research needs associated with the use of FRP materials in concrete applications, members of the ACI Committee on Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement were surveyed. The committee represents experts in industry, practitioners, and academia. Three general needs were identified: (1) design and construction guidelines and specifications; (2) standardized material test methods; and (3) data on the durability of FRP materials and FRP reinforced concrete systems. Specific research needs on durability, fire resistance, repair and retrofit, internally reinforced concrete members, prestressed concrete members, constituent materials and processing, FRP properties and test methods, quality assurance and nondestructive evaluation, design considerations and field applications are discussed.