Durability of Composites for Civil Structural Applications (Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering)

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

Dr. Vistasp Karbhari is a Professor in the Departments of Civil Engineering, and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington where he served as the 8th President. An internationally reputed researcher, Dr. Karbhari is an expert in the processing and mechanics of composites, durability of materials, infrastructure rehabilitation, and multi-threat mitigation and has authored/coauthored over 460 papers in journals and conference publications and is the editor/co-editor of 6 books. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); the National Academy of Inventors (NAI); ASM International; the International Institute for Fiber-reinforced Polymers in Construction; the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure; the American Society of Civil Engineers; and the ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute, and is a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.