Composites

FRP

For Construction

ISIS Educational Module 2:

An Introduction to FRP Composites

for Construction
Produced by ISIS Canada

Module Objectives

To provide students with a general awareness of

FRP materials and their potential uses
To provide information on some of the potential
uses of FRPs in civil engineering applications
To provide guidance for students seeking
additional information on FRPs

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

FRP

Outline

For Construction

Additional Info

For Construction

Introduction and Overview

Fibre Reinforced
Polymers

Applications

Durability

Mechanical Properties

Introduction and Overview

Section: 1

Humankind has used many building materials

throughout history:

Stone
Timber
Steel
Concrete

Used for Millennia

Past two-hundred years

Modern urban landscape is now defined largely by

steel and concrete
Roads, sewers, highways, buildings, bridges
Complex infrastructure systems enabling health and prosperity

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

Introduction and Overview

Section: 1

FRP

For Construction

Introduction and Overview

Section: 1

A primary factor leading to extensive degradation

Our infrastructure systems are deficient

Neglect, deterioration, overuse, upgrade

Corrosion
Concrete

Global Infrastructure Crisis

Reinforcing
Steel

n How can we prevent deterioration of infrastructure?

o How can we prolong the lives of existing structures?

Moisture, oxygen and

chlorides penetrate
Through concrete
Through cracks

ISIS EC Module 2

FRP

End result

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites
For Construction

Corrosion products form

Volume expansion occurs
More cracking
Corrosion propagation

Composites

Introduction and Overview

Section: 1

FRP

For Construction

FRP Materials

Section: 1

General

Why build and repair with the same materials?

Why repeat the cycle?
Lightweight

High Strength

Easy to handle

5x steel

FRP Materials
Corrosion resistant

Longstanding reputation in automotive and

aerospace industries
Over the past 15 years have FRP materials been
increasingly considered for civil infrastructure
applications
FRP costs have decreased

Highly versatile

New, innovative solutions needed!

Suit any project

Durable structures

FRPs now recognized as effective and efficient structural materials

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

FRP Materials

For Construction

Section: 1

FRP

For Construction

FRP Materials

Pro/Con

Section: 1

Pro/Con

Increased use of FRPs in infrastructure applications attributable to:

Potential FRP disadvantages

FRP advantages

FRPs are linear elastic materials

Will not corrode electrochemically (durability)

High strength-to-weight ratio
Electromagnetically inert
Ease and speed of installation
Ability to tailor mechanical properties (versatility)
Low thermal conductivity

Addressed through careful design procedures

High initial material cost

But not when life-cycle costs are considered

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

FRP Materials in Construction

Section: 1

FRP

For Construction

Fibre Reinforced Polymers

Section: 2

General

Thousands of field applications of FRPs in structures

around the world:
FRP bars, rods, and prestressing tendons reinforcement of
concrete
FRP plates, sheets, and wraps strengthening of reinforced
concrete, steel, aluminum, and timber structural members
All-FRP structures
FRP hybrid structures

ISIS EC Module 2

FRPs are composite materials:

materials created by the combination of two or more materials, on a
macroscopic scale, to form a new and useful material with
enhanced properties that are superior to those of the individual
constituents alone

More familiar composite materials

Concrete stone, sand, and cement paste

Reinforced concrete concrete and steel
Wood cellulose and lignin
Bone collagen and apatite
ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

FRP Materials

For Construction

Section: 2

FRP

Matrix + Fibre = FRP

For Construction

Constituents

Section: 2

Constituents

What is FRP?

Stress,

Fibres

Matrix

Provide strength
and stiffness

Fibre

Protects and transfers load

between fibres

Carbon, glass, aramid

FRP

Epoxy, vinyl ester

Matrix

Strain,
Fibre

Composite

Matrix

Creates a material with attributes superior to either component alone!

Fibres and matrix both play critical roles in the composite material...

Combing fibres and matrix gives a composite material with

superior properties

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

Polymer Matrix Component

Section: 2

FRP

Polymers

For Construction

FRP Materials

Critical functions of the polymer matrix:

n Bind the fibres together

o Protect the fibres from environment and abrasion
p Separate and disperse the fibres throughout the composite
q Transfer force between the individual fibres

Section: 2

FRP Materials

Polymer:
An organic compound comprised of long-chain
molecules consisting of smaller repeated units called
monomers

Two types:

Thermoplastics
polyethylene, nylon, polyamide

Thermosetting polymers
polyester, vinylester, epoxy

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

Thermoplastics

For Construction

Section: 2

FRP

For Construction

Thermosetting Polymers

Matrix Polymers

Molecular chains cross-linked through chemical bonds

Cannot be reversibly softened cannot be bent on site!
deteriorate irreversibly at elevated temperature
Commonly used in infrastructure FRPs
Epoxies, vinylesters, polyesters

Extremely strong bonds within chain molecules

Chains held by weak Van der Waals Forces
Molecules can slide past one-another on heating
Polymer can be reversibly softened
Not currently used for FRPs in civil engineering

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Section: 2

Matrix Polymers

Composites

Thermosets used in Civil Engineering

Section: 2

FRP

For Construction

Fibre Component

Fibres provide strength and stiffness

Polyesters
Widely used for FRP components (not for rebars)
Inexpensive, easy processing

Vinylesters
Used commonly in FRP rebars (alkali resistance)
Reduced moisture absorption and shrinkage
More expensive

Epoxies
Used in wet lay-up applications and laminate fabrication
Outstanding adhesion and bonding characteristics
Highest cost
ISIS EC Module 2

Section: 2

FRP Materials

Properties required of the fibres:

n high stiffness
o high ultimate strength
p low variation of strength between individual fibres
q stability during handling
r uniform diameter
s extremely large length-to-diameter ratio
ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Fibres

Section: 2

FRP

For Construction

Fibre Component

Section: 2

FRP Materials

3 fibres commonly used in infrastructure applications

50 m

Glass, carbon, aramid

Factors influencing fibre suitability:

n Strength
o Stiffness
p Environment and durability
q Cost
r Availability

Small and uniform diameter ( 25 m)

Crystals in fibres aligned along length high tensile strength
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Glass Fibres

Section: 2

Fibres

Inexpensive
Most commonly used
Several grades available:
E-Glass
R-Glass
AR-Glass (alkali resistant)

High strength, moderate modulus, medium density

Used in non weight/modulus critical applications
ISIS EC Module 2

FRP

For Construction

Carbon Fibres

Significantly higher cost than glass

Section: 2

Fibres

Several grades available:

Standard modulus 250-300 GPa

Intermediate 300-350 GPa
High 350-550 GPa
Ultra-high 550-1000 GPa

High strength, high modulus, low density

Superior durability and fatigue characteristics
Used in weight/modulus critical applications
ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

Aramid Fibres

For Construction

Section: 2

FRP

Fibre Comparison: Stress-Strain

For Construction

Section: 2

Fibres

Moderate to high cost

Fibres

6000

Two grades available

E-Glass
Aramid
Standard Carbon
High-Modulus Carbon
Ultra High-Modulus Carbon
Mild Steel

60 GPa elastic modulus

120 GPa elastic modulus

High tensile strength, moderate modulus, low density

Low compressive and shear strength

Stress (MPa)

5000
4000
3000

Fibres only!
No Matrix

2000
1000

Some durability concerns

Potential UV degradation
Potential moisture absorption and swelling

Strain (%)

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

FRP

For Construction

Section: 2

FRP

For Construction

Influence of Fibre Orientation

Section: 2

FRP Materials

FRPs are Orthotropic materials

Fibres + Matrix = FRP

Properties are directionally dependent

Unidirectional FRPs

Overall FRP properties depend on:

Mechanical properties of matrix

Mechanical properties of fibres
Fibre volume fraction
Fibre cross sectional area
Orientation of fibres within matrix
Interaction between fibres and matrix
Method of manufacturing
ISIS EC Module 2

Fibres in one direction only

Aligned along longitudinal axis
Stronger and stiffer in fibre direction

Multidirectional FRPs (laminates)

Key Factor

Fibres in various directions (fibre architecture)

Properties can be tailored
Behaviour can approach isotropy

Unidirectional FRPs used in infrastructure applications

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Examples of FRPs

Composites

Section: 2

FRP

Manufacturing FRP Materials

For Construction

Section: 2

FRP Materials

1. Pultrusion:
Unidirectional
glass FRP bar

Glass FRP
grid

Carbon FRP
prestressing
tendon

Glass fibre
roving
Carbon fibre
roving

Fibre strand
pulled from
creels

ISIS EC Module 2

FRP

saturated
in polymer
resin

shaped in a
heated die

and the
finished product
is pulled through

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites
For Construction

FRP bars, structural sections, plates

Composites

Manufacturing FRP Materials

Section: 2

FRP

For Construction

FRP Rebar

Section: 2

Manufacturing

To enhance an FRP bars mechanical bond

with concrete:

Pultrusion

Incorporate sand on
the surface
ISIS EC Module 2

or a fibre braid

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Manufacturing FRP Materials

Section: 2

Manufacturing FRP Materials

Section: 2

3. Filament winding:

2. Wet lay up

FRP

For Construction

FRP sheets for repair applications, laminates

FRP tubes, poles, tanks, forms

Fibre Roving

Resin-saturated FRP
lamina (fabrics) are
placed over a mould or
an existing structural
member

Mobile Resin Bath

Motor
Rotating Mandrel

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

Composites

For Construction

Manufacturing FRP Materials

Filament winding

Section: 2

FRP

For Construction

Mechanical Properties

Section: 3

Type of fibre and matrix

FRP mechanical
properties are a
function of:

Fibre volume content

Orientation of fibres

Here we are concerned mainly

with unidirectional FRPs!
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

FRP vs. Steel

Section: 3

FRP

Quantitative Comparison

For Construction

Mechanical Properties

2500
Stress [MPa]

FRP properties
(in general versus steel):
Linear elastic behaviour
to failure
No yielding
Higher ultimate strength
Lower strain at failure
Comparable modulus
(carbon FRP)

2000

CFRP

1500

GFRP

1000

Steel

500
1

Material

Ultimate Strength

Elastic Modulus

Failure Strain

Glass FRP

517-1207 MPa

30-55 GPa

2-4.5 %

Carbon FRP

1200-2410 MPa

147-165 GPa

1-1.5 %

Aramid FRP

1200-2068 MPa

50-74 GPa

2-2.6 %

Steel

483-690 MPa

200 GPa

>10 %

Strain [%]

* Based on 2001 data for specific FRP rebar products

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

Qualitative Comparison

Section: 3

FRP

For Construction

Modulus of Elasticity

Typical Mechanical Properties

Criterion

Carbon

Fibre Type
Aramid

Greatest stiffness in the fibre direction in tension

Very Good

Very Good

Very Good

Modulus of Elasticity

Very Good

Good

Adequate

Long Term Behaviour

Very Good

Good

Adequate

Excellent

Good

Adequate

Good

Excellent

Adequate

Bulk Density
Alkaline Resistance

Very Good

Good

Adequate

Price

Adequate

Adequate

Very Good

ISIS EC Module 2

Section: 3

Mechanical Properties

Glass

Tensile Strength

Fatigue Behaviour

Section: 3

Typical Mechanical Properties*

Fibre modulus, Ef
Efrp is a function of

Matrix modulus, Em
Fibre volume ratio, Vf

Rule of mixtures (unidirectional, in fibre direction):

E frp = E mVm + E f V f = (E f E m )V f + E m
ISIS EC Module 2

10

Composites

Composites

FRP

Strength

For Construction

Section: 3

Mechanical Properties

Strength

CASE 1:

Fibre

m ,ult < f ,ult

Fibre strength, f,ult

Section: 3

Mechanical Properties

Stress,

f,ult

Greatest strength in the fibre direction in tension

frp,ult is a function of

FRP

For Construction

m,ult

*not common for FRP

Matrix

Matrix strength, m,ult

m,ult f,ult

Fibre volume ratio, Vf

If Vf is large

Relative failure strains

If Vf is small

Strain,

frp ,ult = f ,ultV f

frp ,ult = ' f V f + m ,ult (1 V f )

For most FRP used in civil engineering applications, Vf is large (> 0.1)
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

Strength

For Construction

Section: 3

Fatigue

Mechanical Properties

Stress,

f,ult

FRP

For Construction

CASE 2:

Fibre

m ,ult > f ,ult

m,ult
m

Matrix

f,ult
If Vf is small
If Vf is large

m,ult

Strain,

frp ,ult = m ,ult (1 V f )

frp ,ult = f ,ultV f + ' m (1 V f )

Section: 3

Mechanical Properties

Fatigue: degradation or failure of a structural material or

element after repeated cycles of loading and unloading
Carbon FRPs display outstanding fatigue behaviour
Glass FRPs display intermediate/satisfactory fatigue
resistance
Aramid FRPs are sensitive to fatigue

For most FRP used in civil engineering applications, Vf is large (> 0.1)
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

11

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

Creep and Creep-Rupture

Section: 3

FRP

For Construction

Environmental Durability

Section: 4

Mechanical Properties

Creep: a condition of increasing strain under a

sustained (constant) level of stress

Primary advantage of FRPs

Will not corrode electrochemically

Fibres are relatively insensitive to creep

Matrix polymers are visco-elastic and will creep

Some durability concerns do exist...

Potentially damaging effects resulting from:

For Unidirectional FRPs loaded in the fibre direction

Creep not a significant concern if the sustained stresses are
limited, as follows:

Temperature
Moisture
UV Radiation

Glass FRP, 20%

Aramid FRP, 30%
Carbon FRP, 50%
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Alkalinity
Fire

Composites

Temperature

Section: 4

FRP

For Construction

Temperature

Environmental Durability

Elevated temperature causes deterioration of

mechanical and bond properties
Due primarily to degradation of the polymer matrix

Service temperatures must therefore be limited:

Epoxy: 20C less than the glass transition temperature (GTT),
usually less than 100C
Vinylester/polyester: 20C less than the heat distortion
temperature (HDT)

Section: 4

Environmental Durability

Other temperature effects:

Temperature = Creep
Temperature = Moisture or chemical ingress
Potential for development of thermal stresses due to
differential thermal expansion
Potential for damage due to thermal cycling

Low temperatures are not generally a concern

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

12

Composites

Composites

FRP

Moisture

For Construction

Section: 4

FRP

For Construction

Ultra-Violet Radiation

Environmental Durability

Section: 4

Environmental Durability

Aramid fibres

Polymers absorb moisture to varying degrees

UV degradation of mechanical properties

continues until saturation point is reached

depends on FRP composition and properties

Carbon and glass fibres

Unidirectional composites are relatively unaffected

by moisture uptake
Properties depend on fibres rather than matrix

Insensitive to effects of UV radiation

Polymer matrices
slight degradation and discolouration

Moisture-induced swelling is a concern for aramid

UV protection options
matrix additives, pigmented gel coats, painting

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Alkalinity

Section: 4

FRP

For Construction

Fire

Environmental Durability

FRP reinforcement of concrete is becoming more

common
pH inside concrete is normally 12-13.5
Glass fibres

Alkalinity-induced
embrittlement

Reduced toughness
Reduced strength

Thus, use alkali-resistant polymer matrices

ISIS EC Module 2

Section: 4

Environmental Durability

All polymers soften at elevated temperatures

Potential concerns during fire:
Reduced strength
Reduced stiffness
Loss of bond
Flame spread
Toxic smoke generation

Research is ongoing in this area...

ISIS EC Module 2

13

Composites

Composites

FRP

For Construction

FRP Applications in Infrastructure

Section: 5

FRP

All-FRP Structures

For Construction

Section: 5

Applications

All-FRP structures
FRP-reinforced roncrete
Repair and rehabilitation
Hybrid FRP structures
FRP road bridge

Smart materials
FRP ground anchors
architectural panels
Infinite possibilities...

Laboratory testing of an FRP bridge deck panel

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Section: 5

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Applications

Section: 5

Taylor Bridge

Case study 1: Taylor Bridge

Flexural reinforcement

Headingley, Manitoba
Opened 1998
Tokyo Rope
carbon FRP
reinforcement

165.1 metre span

2-lanes

LeadlineTM carbon FRP reinforcement

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

14

Composites

Composites

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Section: 5

Taylor Bridge

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Bridge during construction

Section: 5

Taylor Bridge

Shear reinforcement

Epoxy coated
steel bar stirrups
LeadlineTM carbon FRP stirrups
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

FRP-Reinforced Concrete
Placing the deck slab concrete

Section: 5

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Taylor Bridge

Section: 5

Taylor Bridge

Fibre optic sensors

Strain gauges

Intelligent sensing system:

Smart bridge

Monitor longterm behaviour

Compare FRP
with conventional
materials
To view live data go to www.isiscanada.com and click on Remote Monitoring
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

15

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Section: 5

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Applications

Case study 2: Joffre Bridge

Flexural reinforcement
Portions
reinforced with
carbon FRP

Sherbrooke, Quebec
Re-opened 1997

YSidewalk
ZDeck

25 000 vehicles daily

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

XBarrier Wall

30.6 metre span

For Construction

Section: 5

Joffre Bridge

Composites

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Placement of instrumented carbon FRP

deck reinforcement grids

Section: 5

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Joffre Bridge

Section: 5

Joffre Bridge

Sensing system
Over 180
monitoring
instruments
Measure
long-term
performance

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

16

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Section: 5

Applications

Case study 3: Wotton Bridge

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Placement of glass FRP

deck reinforcement

Section: 5

Wotton Bridge

Wotton, Quebec
Re-opened 2001
30.6 metre span
ISOROD GFRP and
CFRP in deck slab

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

Section: 5

Applications

Case study 4: Morristown Bridge

FRP

For Construction

FRP-Reinforced Concrete

GFRP reinforcement for the deck slab

just prior to placing the concrete

Section: 5

Morristown Bridge

Morristown, Vermont
Re-opened 2002
43 metre span
ISOROD GFRP in
deck slab
Bridge deck reinforcement
ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

17

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Composites

Repair and Rehabilitation

Section: 5

FRP

For Construction

Repair and Rehabilitation

Applications

Externally-bonded carbon FRP sheet for axial strengthening

(confinement) of a reinforced concrete column

Externally-bonded carbon FRP sheets for shear

strengthening of a reinforced concrete bridge girder

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Section: 5

Applications

Composites

Repair and Rehabilitation

Section: 5

FRP

For Construction

Repair and Rehabilitation

Applications

Strengthening an aluminum overhead sign structure

with externally-bonded glass FRP wraps

ISIS EC Module 2

Section: 5

Applications

Laboratory testing of a masonry wall strengthened

with externally-bonded glass FRP wraps

ISIS EC Module 2

18

Composites

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Repair and Rehabilitation

Section: 5

FRP

For Construction

Hybrid FRP Structures

Applications

Section: 5

Applications

Concrete-filled FRP tubes act as hybrid bridge piles/piers

Timber bridge beams strengthened with externallybonded carbon FRP strips

ISIS EC Module 2

ISIS EC Module 2

Composites

FRP

For Construction

Additional Information

Section: 6

Available from www.isiscanada.com

ISIS Design Manual No. 3: Reinforcing Concrete Structures with Fiber
Reinforced Polymers
ISIS Design Manual No. 4: Strengthening Reinforced Concrete
Structures with Externally-Bonded Fiber Reinforced Polymer
ISIS EC Module 1: An Introduction to FRP Composites for
Construction
ISIS EC Module 3: An introduction to FRP-Reinforced Concrete
Structures
ISIS EC Module 4: An Introduction to FRP-Strengthening of Reinforced
Concrete Structures
ISIS EC Module 2

19