Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Structures - Using Externally-Bonded FRP Composities in Structural and Civil Engineering




Introduction


The authors contributing to this volume have been immersed in the development

of advanced composite materials for strengthening structures for a number

of years. Yet, in 1998, this can still be described as a new technique, with

the total number of applications worldwide measured at most in hundreds.

From this cautious beginning, the author believes that a rapid expansion

in usage will take place as the benefits are more widely realised. All

clients and designers seek solutions that are durable and cost effective,

exactly those requirements which fibre reinforced composite strengthening

systems can be designed to meet. However, clients must also gain trust in new

techniques before they will be willing to adopt them. That trust must be firmly

based on an understanding of material behaviour, the design process and

the risks of implementation. It is hoped that this book will assist in that

process, particularly by disseminating some of the knowledge that has been

gained during the ‘ROBUST’ research project. Inevitably it will take time to

foster a wide appreciation of these new materials amongst the construction

community. It will not be assumed that readers have any previous

experience of composite materials. All aspects of composite plate bonding are

covered in some detail in individual chapters, but a more general introduction

to the techniques is appropriate first. This will take the form of a definition of terms.



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