fib Bulletin 40 deals mainly with the use of FRP bars as internal reinforcement for concrete structures. The background of the main physical and mechanical properties of FRP reinforcing bars is presented, with special emphasis on durability aspects. For each of the typical ultimate and serviceability limit states, the basic mechanical model is given, followed by different design models according to existing codes or design guidelines. Composite FRP materials are still relatively new in construction and most engineers are unfamiliar with their properties and characteristics. The second chapter of this bulletin therefore aims to provide practising engineers with the necessary background knowledge in this field, and also presents typical products currently available in the international market. The third chapter deals with the issue of durability and identifies the parameters that can lead to deterioration, which is necessary information when addressing design issues. A series of parameters is used to identify the allowable stress in the FRP after exposure for a specified period of time in a specific environment. The bulletin covers the issues of Ultimate Limit States (primarily dealing with flexural design), Serviceability Limit States (dealing with deflections and cracking), Shear and Punching Shear and Bond and Tension Stiffening. It provides not only the state-of-the-art but also in many cases ideas for the next generation of design guidelines. The final chapter deals with the fundamental issue of design philosophy. The use of these new materials as concrete reinforcement has forced researchers to re-think many of the fundamental principles used until now in RC design. The bulletin ends with a discussion of a possible new framework for developing partial safety factors to ensure specific safety levels that will be flexible enough to cope with new materials.

The use of fibre optic sensors in structural health monitoring has rapidly accelerated in recent years. By embedding fibre optic sensors in structures (e.g. buildings, bridges and pipelines) it is possible to obtain real time data on structural changes such as stress or strain. Engineers use monitoring data to detect deviations from a structure’s original design performance in order to optimise the operation, repair and maintenance of a structure over time. Fibre Optic Methods for Structural Health Monitoring is organised as a step-by-step guide to implementing a monitoring system and includes examples of common structures and their most-frequently monitored parameters. This book: presents a universal method for static structural health monitoring, using a technique with proven effectiveness in hundreds of applications worldwide; discusses a variety of different structures including buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels and pipelines; features case studies which describe common problems and offer solutions to those problems; provides advice on establishing mechanical parameters to monitor (including deformations, rotations and displacements) and on placing sensors to achieve monitoring objectives; identifies methods for interpreting data according to construction material and shows how to apply numerical concepts and formulae to data in order to inform decision making. Fibre Optic Methods for Structural Health Monitoring is an invaluable reference for practising engineers in the fields of civil, structural and geotechnical engineering. It will also be of interest to academics and undergraduate/graduate students studying civil and structural engineering.

fib Bulletin 57 is a collection of contributions from a workshop on "Recent developments on shear and punching shear in RC and FRC elements", held in Salò, Italy, in October 2010. Shear is one of a few areas of research into fundamentals of the behaviour of concrete structures where contention remains amongst researchers. There is a continuing debate between researchers from a structures perspective and those from a materials or fracture mechanics perspective about the mechanisms that enable the force flow through a concrete member and across cracks. In 2009, a Working Group was formed within fib Task Group 4.2 "Ultimate Limit State Models" to harmonise different ideas about design procedures for shear and punching. An important outcome of this work was the ensuing discussions between experts and practitioners regarding the shear and punching provisions of the draft fib Model Code, which led to the organization of the Salò workshop. Invited experts in the field of shear and FRC gave 18 lectures at the workshop that was attended by 72 participants from 12 countries in 3 different continents. The contributions from this conference as compiled in this bulletin are believed to represent the best of the current state of knowledge. They certainly are of general interest to fib members and especially helpful in the finalization of the 2010 fibModel Code. It is hoped that this publication will stimulate further research in the field, to refine and harmonize the available analytical models and tools for shear and punching design.

This book presents the proceedings of the fib Symposium “Building for the future: Durable, Sustainable, Resilient”, held in Istanbul, Turkey, on 5–7 June 2023. The book covers topics such as concrete and innovative materials, structural performance and design, construction methods and management, and outstanding structures. fib (The International Federation for Structural Concrete) is a not-for-profit association whose mission is to develop at an international level the study of scientific and practical matters capable of advancing the technical, economic, aesthetic, and environmental performance of concrete construction.

This book analyses the current knowledge on structural behaviour of RC elements and structures strengthened with composite materials (experimental, analytical and numerical approaches for EBR and NSM), particularly in relation to the above topics, and the comparison of the predictions of the current available codes/recommendations/guidelines with selected experimental results. The book shows possible critical issues (discrepancies, lacunae, relevant parameters, test procedures, etc.) related to current code predictions or to evaluate their reliability, in order to develop more uniform methods and basic rules for design and control of FRP strengthened RC structures. General problems/critical issues are clarified on the basis of the actual experiences, detect discrepancies in existing codes, lacunae in knowledge and, concerning these identified subjects, provide proposals for improvements. The book will help to contribute to promote and consolidate a more qualified and conscious approach towards rehabilitation and strengthening existing RC structures with composites and their possible monitoring.