The evolution of and the way forward for advanced polymer composites in the civil infrastructure

The introduction of polymers and advanced polymer composites in the civil infrastructure has been a very rapid process in comparison to other civil engineering materials when they were in their infancy. Advanced polymer composite materials have hitherto been utilised predominately in the aerospace and marine industries, but for the last three decades there has been a growing awareness amongst civil/structural engineers of the importance of the unique mechanical and in-service properties of these materials together with their customised fabrication technologies. These extraordinary properties have enabled the design engineers to have greater confidence in the materials' potential and consequently to use them in the renewal of civil infrastructure ranging from the strengthening of reinforced concrete, steel and cast iron, and the seismic retrofitting of bridges and columns for the use in replacement bridge decks and in the new bridge and building structures. This paper will outline the developing stages of this exciting material and will indicate future prospects for it. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.