Issues of variability and durability under synergistic exposure conditions related to advanced polymer composites in the civil infrastructure

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used for the renewal of civil infrastructure. Due to the specific needs of civil infrastructure including those related to cost, long service-life without regular detailed inspection and maintenance, and field application these materials differ from the aerospace based materials which have been extensively characterized in the past. The use of non-autoclave cure processes and less rigorous levels of quality assurance and control provide challenges related to both property variation and durability. In addition, combinations of hygrothermal exposure conditions with levels of sustained load need to be considered. This paper discusses both these issues as related to the use of typical materials in civil infrastructure.