Development and Demonstration of FRP Composite Fender Loadbearing, and Sheet Piling Systems

摘要

Traditional piling systems are inherently unsuited for harsh waterfront environments. Deterioration of wood, concrete, and steel piling systems is estimated to cost the U.S. military and civilian marine and waterfront communities over $1 billion annually. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites represent an alternative construction material without many of the performance disadvantages of traditional materials as described above. A proposal was submitted to develop composite piling systems under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Construction Productivity Advancement Research (CPAR) program. This CPAR Project developed, tested, and demonstrated high-performance polymer composite fender, load-bearing, and sheet pile (bulkheads) systems for marine/waterfront civil engineering applications. In phase one, mechanical, operating, and physical performance requirements were established. In phase two, laboratory tests were conducted to assess the preliminary designs. Promising designs were further developed and tested. Selected fender piles that met the established requirements, as determined by the laboratory tests, were installed in a field demonstration. Development and adoption of industry consensus specifications and standards for composite piling systems was initiated. The Composites Institute and member manufacturers have promoted and will continue to promote the commercialization of the composite pilings developed under this project.