ADVANCED COMPOSITES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING - A CRITICAL OVERVIEW AT THIS HIGH INTEREST, LOW USE STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

摘要

The background to growing interest in the use of high performance advanced composite materials in bridges and structures is reviewed. Different fibres, resins and manufacturing methods are described and typical properties given. Potential applications in concrete and steel structures are presented with emphasis on those structures likely to be most cost effective. Retrofit strengthening of structures using advanced composites is outlined and the paper concludes with a review of new structures built entirely out of advanced composites including main suspension cables.