Application of FRP composites for rehabilitation in civil engineering: Experiments and advanced compuational methods

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are advanced composites created by placing extremely strong and stiff fibers in a resin matrix. FRP has rapidly gained recognition as a superior construction material, sparking a revolution in the civil engineering society. Thus far, the majority of FRP applications in the field of civil engineering have been limited to the strengthening and retrofitting of structures (Zhao and Zhang, 2007). FRP composite materials have also been used to construct transportation infrastructures in numerous countries (USA, Germany, England, etc.). FRP composites have increasingly replaced conventional construction materials such as steel and concrete in civil engineering. As a result, technology of FRP composites has continued to advance, allowing for the promotion of knowledge and the creation of new materials (Karbhari and Zhao, 2000; Van Den Einde et al., 2003). In this chapter, the application of FRP composites for rehabiliation in civil engineering will be reviewed.