Durability of FRP Composites for Civil Infrastructure — Myth, Mystery or Reality

Abstract

Although fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite applications for civil infrastructure have been extensively investigated over the past decade through laboratory tests and field demonstrations, there is still a significant concern related to their long-term durability. In part this concern is based on the differences between FRP composites, which are intrinsically tailorable, and the more conventional metallic and cementitious materials used previously. This paper describes the current status of durability of these materials through a discussion of the myths, mystery and the reality concerning durability. It is shown that although FRP composites do undergo degradation their performance attributes can provide significant advantages over conventional materials in civil infrastructure applications.