Elsevier Durability of Composites for Civil Structural Applications (Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering)

This comprehensive book on durability of FRP composites will make it easier for the practicing civil engineer and designer to use these materials on a routine basis. It addresses the current lack, or inaccessibility, of data related to the durability of these materials, which is proving to be one of the major challenges to the widespread acceptance and implementation of FRP composites in civil infrastructure. The book should help further the acceptance of composites for civil structural applications, by providing this source for practicing engineers, decision makers, and students involved in architectural engineering, construction and materials, disaster reduction, environmental engineering, maritime structural technology, transportation engineering and urban planning. Key Features; provides a thorough overview of key aspects of the durability of composites; examines mechanisms of degradation such as aqueous solutions, moisture, fatigue and wear; discusses ways of using FRP composites, including strengthening and rehabilitating existing structures; a fundamental guide to the use of FRP composites within civil and structural engineering. Contents: Introduction: The use of composites in civil structural applications. Part 1 Aspects of composite durability: Fabrication, quality and service life issues for composites in civil engineering; Durability of composites in aqueous environments; Durability of composites in freeze-thaw conditions; Durability of composites exposed to ultraviolet radiation; Durability of composites exposed to elevated temperature and fire; Durability of composites under fatigue loads; Creep and time-dependent response of composites; Durability of composites due to wear and erosion. Part 2 Applications and monitoring of composites in civil engineering: Fibre-reinforced polymer composite structures and structural component; Current applications and durability issues; Reinforcement of concrete using fibre-reinforced polymer composites; External strengthening of structures using fibre-reinforced polymer composites; Rehabilitation of concrete structures using fibre-reinforced polymer composites: Identifying potential defects; Structural health monitoring and field evaluation of composite durability.