Setting the Bar for Composite Repairs - Now and in the Future

摘要

As composite repairs continue to be utilized more frequently, the knowledge-base of the composite manufacturers, installers and the end users has continued to increase as well. The information to be discussed looks to address the 'best practices' of the industry by briefly examining each major step within the repair process and highlighting key aspects that are often overlooked or not considered important. Intended for both composite repair novices and industry experts, this paper is split into three primary categories - design, installation and inspection. The design portion in this paper discusses key concerns prior to installation and includes topics such as choosing the right material for the repair application and having proper repair documentation. The next major topic of discussion is regarding the installation process. When a repair underperforms expectations, the initial responsibility tends to fall on the repair installer. This focus on the installer will be re-examined throughout this paper by looking at deficiencies in training methods and supporting installation documents. Lastly, key points with regards to the inspection process will be addressed, such as types of defects to look for and what constitutes as an unacceptable defect.