Fiber reinforced polymer composites in bridge industry

Abstract

This paper presents a concise state-of-the-art review on the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) in bridge engineering. The paper is organized into commonly used FRP bridge components, and different materials/manufacturing techniques used for repairing and construction of FRP bridges. Efforts have been made to give a clear and concise view of FRP bridges using the most relevant literature. FRPs have certain desired properties like high strength to weight ratio, and high corrosion and fatigue resistance that make them a sustainable solution for bridges. However, as FRPs are brittle and susceptible to damage, when safety is concerned, critical parts of the bridges are made as hybrids of FRP and conventional materials. Despite significant studies, it has been found that a comprehensive effort is still required on better understanding the long term performance and end-of-life recycling, developing cost-effective and flexible manufacturing processes such as 3D printing, and developing green composites to take full advantages of FRPs.