Advances and Challenges in Utilizing Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) in Construction

Dear Colleagues,

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) have emerged as promising materials for reinforcing and strengthening concrete structures, due to their numerous advantages, such as corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and electromagnetic neutrality. The most common FRP composites are carbon (CFRP), aramid (AFRP), glass (GFRP), and the recently developed basalt (BFRP). Despite their numerous advantages, the adoption of FRPs by the construction industry has been hindered for various reasons. Many studies have investigated the utilization of FRPs in reinforcing and strengthening concrete structures. Furthermore, international design codes are being developed and continue to improve. However, more research is deemed necessary to develop suitable solutions to improve the durability, serviceability, ductility and structural performance of concrete members reinforced and strengthened with FRP material under complex and severe loading conditions. The response of FRP bars under compression and their use in concrete columns are also of recent interest to the design codes.

This Special Issue targets research related to the advances and challenges in the use of the different types of FRPs in reinforcing and strengthening concrete structures. Topics may include durability and the overall performance of FRP RC members under severe environmental exposures, sustained loading, elevated temperatures, seismic, fatigue, blast, and impact. Developing accurate methods to evaluate the compressive response of FRP bars and their use in RC columns is also encouraged. The issue may also address topics related to the FRP strengthening of steel structures, advances and new technologies in FRP bond mechanisms, and the recent usage of prestressed FRP in reinforcing and strengthening structures. Ideally, contributions focus on experimental tests, finite element and numerical analysis, theoretical and code equations, algorithms, and statistical applications that will help to compile the current state-of-the-art and to highlight their range of application. Both original contributions and review articles are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Farid Abed
Guest Editor

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