During the last 5-10 years there has been considerable activity in research and development of fibre composites in the Australian civil engineering market. Areas of activity have included; bridge systems, replacement of large-section hardwood girders, waterfront structures and railway sleepers. The work has involved not only the initial concept development, but also the construction and deployment of full-scale prototypes. Through close involvement of major asset owners, including state road and rail authorities and city councils, these technologies have evolved from initial technology demonstrators to become viable commercial alternatives to traditional structural solutions. This paper presents a review of these developments and examines the process involved in taking these new systems from a novelty to a viable and credible alternative for local asset owners.

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Over the past ten years, Australian researchers have actively pursued the development of new structural systems utilising fibre composites, for the rehabilitation and replacement of deteriorating civil infrastructure. The result has been a range of new systems which offer unprecedented levels of functionality at a cost which is directly competitive with traditional structural materials. Several of these systems have been successfully demonstrated in real world projects. To encourage these developments, the Australian composites industry has been investing in programs to develop codes and standards, and to establish an appropriate regulatory framework to ensure confidence in manufacture, supply and installation of composite products. This paper presents an overview of Australian research into infrastructure applications of fibre composites and associated industry development programs.

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