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Time-Dependent Reliability Framework for Durability Design of FRP Composites Rajneesh K. Bharil, PE (CA,WA,OR,AK,IA) , SE (CA,WA) , PMP (PMI) The life-cycle performance, durability, and aging characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP or Structural Composites) have been of keen interest to the engineers engaged in the FRP design, construction, and manufacturing. Unlike conventional construction materials such as steel and concrete, the design guidelines to account for the aging of FRP are somewhat scattered or not available in an approved or consistent format. Loss of strength over time or aging of any structural material should be of concern to engineers as the in-service lifespan of many engineering structures is expected to exceed 100 years. Use of durability strength-reduction factors or factors of safety (aka knock-down factors) is a common way to account for the anticipated in-situ site conditions during the FRP design phase; however, the considerations for FRP service life is often ignored or smeared into knock-down or safety factors. The individual or combined effect of these ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The test data used in this report came from many previous research projects and various FRP manufacturers. This work would not have been possible without the prior work of those dedicated researchers whose work proceeded mine. This dissertation is dedicated to those who came before and allowed me to build upon their successes and failures. I would like to foremost thank Dr. Hota GangaRao for providing me with the opportunity to conduct this intriguing research and for his overall guidance on FRP composites throughout my doctoral program. My gratitude also goes to many faculty members and colleagues especially: Dr. Dimitra Pyrialakou for guidance on the econometric analysis, Dr. Ruifeng Liang for constant encouragement and assistance, along with Mr. Praveen Majugappi and Ms. Maria Lorenzo, both WVU graduate students at that time for their help in sorting through the vast collection of prior WVU research on the aging of FRP. The prior contribution of many WVU graduate students and researchers in the fields of FRP composites and structural reliability has made this work possible, for which the author is grateful. Special thanks go to my father-in-law, Dr. Srinivasa Iyer, professor emeritus of the Civil Engineering Department at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, who always encouraged me throughout this doctoral program and was the first to introduce me to the field of structural composites early on my professional engineering career. I am also thankful for the support received from and hardship endured by my family, especially my wife, Kumari, during the pursuit of my doctorate.

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