Research on the Use of FRP for Critical Load-Bearing Infrastructure in Conflict Zones
Publication: Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 15, Issue 2
Abstract
Research into the use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) in structures at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) during the past two decades has largely focused on two important military engineering goals—mobility and survivability. FRP research in the area of mobility has included the strengthening and repair of reinforced concrete beams and slabs and the development of portable lightweight bridges suitable for most wheeled and tracked vehicles. With respect to survivability, a particular interest is in the use of FRPs to enhance the blast resistance of structural columns and beams. Such research may be equally pertinent to improving the blast resistance of a broad range of critical domestic infrastructure worldwide, given both the increasing concerns about terrorist acts and the desire as well to improve resistance to accidental explosion. This paper will report on the experimental work of two of the most recent FRP research projects carried out at the RMC in support of military objectives—the development of a lightweight portable glass FRP bridge and the use of FRP to strengthen reinforced concrete structural columns against blast. A full-sized FRP box beam was constructed and tested in the laboratory and 28 half-scale reinforced concrete columns, some strengthened with either steel reinforced polymer (SRP) or with FRP, were tested in the field under blast load. From this research, it can be seen that FRP as a structural material offers significant advantages to military forces working in conflict zones, whether for traditional strengthening of damaged or understrength structures, lightweight portable bridge options, or as a means of strengthening structures against blast effects.
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Acknowledgments
RMC and its researchers in the field of FRP in structures have benefited greatly for 20 years from the vision and funding of several individuals and organizations including the RMC Academic Research Program, the Military Engineering Research Group, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
While Professor Urs Meier is external to RMC, it is clearly his work which has inspired this two-decade undertaking. His early vision of the possibilities of FRP use in structures, his interest and mentorship of various members of the faculty and student body over the years, and the collaborative research opportunities made available through EMPA [Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt (Swiss Federal Laboratories)] have profoundly stimulated and shaped the FRP in structures research carried out at RMC. We are glad that, despite his retirement, we can count on his continued friendship and advice.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 15 • Issue 2 • April 2011
Pages: 136 - 145
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 6, 2009
Accepted: Mar 14, 2010
Published online: Apr 6, 2010
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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