Components In Restoration Engineering: Fiber-reinforced Plastics

The evolution of Restoration Engineering over the last three decades has been driven

largely by the introduction of new, innovative materials to provide repair solutions to correct structural deficiencies on existing buildings. Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP) have provided opportunities in restoration engineering with interventions in difficult and complex cases involving compromised structural elements, particularly in older masonry and concrete structures. Walls, arches and vaults, piers and columns have all been repaired or enhanced with FRP material systems, which provide a number of attractive properties including: high tensile strength, high strength to weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, thermal and electrical non-conductivity and incredibly flexible in situ application.

FRP, also known as Fiber-Reinforced Polymer, is a composite material combining a polymer matrix with a reinforcing fiber. Glass, carbon and aramid (Kevlar) are the usual fiber choices, which provide the strength and stiffness of the final product. The matrix can be epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic, binding and protecting the fibers, as well as transferring stresses between fibers. Glass-fiber FRP for restoration engineering is different than fiberglass for insulation. FRP uses textile glass fibers made from any number of oxides heated to 1300 degrees Celsius and extruded into 9-17 micron fibers. These fibers are then further manipulated into several forms depending on the specific application within restoration engineering: roving where filaments are plied together into twisted, larger diameter bundles, woven fabric with warp and weft components, non-woven mats and finally chopped fiber forms for molding. One of the great advantages for FRP applications in restoration engineering is the ability to mold an FRP panel cheaper, faster and easier than aluminum or steel, with equal or better tolerances and material strength. Engineers practicing restoration engineering often make use of FRP for many architectural ornamental pieces such as domes, pilasters, finials, cornice moldings, columns, balustrades, baluster systems and fascia panels as well as a myriad of structural applications.

The choice of matrix and fiber is crucial to the Restoration Engineering application, with differing combinations providing variations in cost as well as differing sets of performance characteristics. Two-dimensional vs three dimensional fiber alignment, fiber weaving and length, and variations in the mixing and/or application of matrix and fiber all contribute to different end results in terms of strength, longevity and ease of intervention.

Different modalities of intervention have greatly enhanced the restoration engineering toolkit. The structural application of FRP includes two primary modalities: externally bonded on beams, columns and slabs in a manner known as hand layup, as sheet of fibers are in situ formed onto the surface of the member and then impregnated with liquid polymer. The second method in restoration engineering consists of a newer variation of the premanufactured strip method, known as near surface mounting, has been developed, where premade strips or bars of FRP are inserted and bonded into a groove cut into the structural member surface.

Restoration Engineering has employed FRP materials in retrofitting and repairing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, as well as timber, masonry and metal structures. It has been successful in strengthening a buildings static load (for increased dead or live load capacity) as well as for dynamic loads (such as improved seismic response).T-beam shear strength enhancement in parking garages has been another successful use of FRP strengthening sheets in restoration engineering. Prefabricated FRP shells and automated fiber-winding systems have been used extensively for column retrofits.

by: Joel Darras

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