The result of the authors' 40 years of experience in durability testing, this book describes the advanced testing methodology based on the viscoelasticity of matrix polymer. After a short introduction to the viscoelastic behavior of fiber-reinforced plastics, the text goes on to review in detail the concepts of static, fatigue and creep strengths in polymer composites. An application-oriented approach is adopted such that the concepts developed in the book are applied to real-life examples. Indispensable information for materials scientists and engineers working in those industrial sectors is concerned with the development and safe use of polymer composite-based products.

Given the increasing use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in structural civil engineering, there is a vital need for critical information related to the overall durability and performance of these new materials under harsh and changing conditions. Durability of composites for civil and structural applications provides a thorough overview of key aspects of the durability of FRP composites for designers and practising engineers.Part one discusses general aspects of composite durability. Chapters examine mechanisms of degradation such as moisture, aqueous solutions, UV radiation, temperature, fatigue and wear. Part two then discusses ways of using FRP composites, including strengthening and rehabilitating existing structures with FRP composites, and monitoring techniques such as structural health monitoring.Durability of composites for civil and structural applications provides practising engineers, decision makers and students with a useful and fundamental guide to the use of FRP composites within civil and structural engineering. - Provides a thorough overview of key aspects of the durability of composites - Examines mechanisms of degradation such as aqueous solutions, moisture, fatigue and wear - Discusses ways of using FRP composites, including strengthening and rehabilitating existing structures

This book covers the topic of degradation phenomenon of natural fiber-based composites (NFC) under various aging conditions and proposes suitable solutions to improve the response of natural fiber-reinforced composite to aging conditions such as moisture, seawater, hygrothermal, and natural and accelerated weathering. The information provided by the book plays a vital role in the durability and shelf life of the composites as well as broadening the scope of outdoor application for natural fiber-based composites. The book will be appropriate for researchers and scientist who are interested in the application of natural fiber composites in various fields.

This book examines current issues of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in civil infrastructure. The contents of this book are divided into two parts. The first part engages topics related to durability and service life of FRP composites and how they contribute to sustainability. The second part highlights implementation and applications of the FRP composites with an emphasis on bridge structures. An introductory chapter provides an overview of FRP composites and its role in a sustainable built environment highlighting the issues of durability and service life followed by a current review of sustainability in infrastructure design.​

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement has been used in construction as either internal or external reinforcement for concrete structures in the past decade. This book provides the latest research findings related to the development, design and application of FRP reinforcement in new construction and rehabilitation works. The topics include FRP properties and bond behaviour, externally bonded reinforcement for flexure, shear and confinement, FRP structural shapes, durability, member behaviour under sustained loads, fatigue loads and blast loads, prestressed FRP tendons, structural strengthening applications, case studies, and codes and standards. Contents: .: Volume 1: Keynote Papers; FRP Materials and Properties; Bond Behaviour; Externally Bonded Reinforcement for Flexure; Externally Bonded Reinforcement for Shear; Externally Bonded Reinforcement for Confinement; FRP Structural Shapes; Volume 2: Durability and Maintenance; Sustained and Fatigue Loads; Prestressed FRP Reinforcement and Tendons; Structural Strengthening; Applications in Masonry and Steel Structures; Field Applications and Case Studies; Codes and Standards. Readership: Upper level graduates, graduate students, academics and researchers in materials science and engineering; practising engineers and project managers

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used in the field of civil engineering, either for the rehabilitation/retrofitting of existing infrastructures or for the construction of new structural elements. However, such applications are still recent and there are still unresolved questions regarding the long-term durability of FRP reinforcements or structural elements under service conditions, and their behaviour under accidental fire events as well. In this chapter, it is proposed to highlight the basic mechanisms involved in the environmental degradation of FRP composites, with a large emphasis on ageing mechanisms of the polymer matrix and their consequences on the mechanical properties. The last section is specifically devoted to the fire behaviour of polymer composites and also recalls existing fire-proofing solutions.

Koyanagi presents a concise and practical guide to using a micromechanics approach to predict the strength and durability of unidirectionally aligned continuum carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). As the use of composite materials in becomes more widespread in various fields, material durability is becoming an increasingly important consideration, particularly with regard to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Using more durable composite materials would help with achieving these goals. Because the failure of composite materials proceeds via the accumulation of micro failures and micro damage, a micromechanics approach is indispensable for estimating precise durability. In this practical guide, Koyanagi describes this approach and explains the precise durability of the composite materials with regard to the time dependence of micro failures. This book first explains the strength and durability of unidirectionally aligned continuum CFRPs. It then individually addresses fiber, resin, and the interface between the two on the basis of their micromechanics and introduces these components’ time and temperature dependences. Koyanagi uses finite element analysis and theoretical models to integrate the characteristics of the three components to explain the macro properties of the CFRPs. Various characteristics regarding strength and durability of CFRPs are also presented. This book is a valuable resource for researchers in academia and industry who work with composite materials. It will enable them to design composite structures, ensure their durability, evaluate them, and develop more durable composite materials.