A review of the present and future utilisation of FRP composites in the civil infrastructure with reference to their important in-service properties

The paper discusses the development of the advanced polymer composite material applications in the building and civil/structural infrastructure over the past three to four decades. It endeavours to identify and prioritise the important in-service research areas which are necessary to improve the understanding of the behaviour of FRP materials and FRP structural components. The paper demonstrates the types of structures which have been developed from the FRP composite material and the most advantageous way to employ composites in civil engineering. The material has extraordinary mechanical and important in-service properties which when combined with other materials are utilised to improve the stiffness/strength, durability, the whole-life cost benefit and the environmental impact. The paper concludes by summarising key successes of the advanced polymer composite in the civil infrastructure and suggests areas in which, if they are employed innovatively, FRP composites could be used with great advantage.