A fair dinkum approach to fibre composites in civil engineering

Abstract

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.

Tribological and Viscoelastic Behaviour of Jute, Prosopis Juliflora Bark and Kenaf Fibers Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composites for Engineering Applications

“…As a result, removing or separating fibers from the matrix is practically impossible and tends to slow wear [42][43][44] . The impact of fiber direction on wear appears to be more significant, as normal fiber orientation generated the lowest wear despite having the highest frictional force 45 . The study findings show the significance of fiber orientation in composite sliding wear.…”

Study on manufacturing process and load-bearing capacity of innovative GFRP composite sandwich panels with connecting grooves

“…The U.S. National Infrastructure and related command centers have successfully implemented CSPs in large-scale hybrid hull components, temporary runway or road repair pads, and emergency passages for warfare or disaster relief. The Japanese Toyoda Company has conducted collision simulation analysis on applying aluminum honeycomb panels to automotive anti-collision structural beams, demonstrating that they can effectively improve energy dissipation during a collision [7,8]. Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland in Australia have manufactured foam or balsa wood core composite sandwich panels using a vacuum infusion process and applied them to floating bridges, pedestrian and vehicle deck panels, etc.…”

Caracterización física de laminados de PRFV (Poliéster Reforzado con Fibra de Vidrio), fabricados con técnica asistida por vacío, empleando insumos no especializados

“…Los materiales compuestos de matriz polimérica de altas prestaciones son utilizados extensamente en las industrias relativas a los transportes [1], como es el caso de la industria aeronáutica [2], espacial [3] [4], automotriz [5], naval [6], de transporte por ductos [7], además de la industria de la construcción [8]. La tecnología para su fabricación en aplicaciones comerciales está disponible en el mercado mundial, y existen varios proveedores, sin embargo, la alta especificidad de estos insumos hace que los procesos de fabricación sean relativamente costosos [9].…”

“…La tecnología para su fabricación en aplicaciones comerciales está disponible en el mercado mundial, y existen varios proveedores, sin embargo, la alta especificidad de estos insumos hace que los procesos de fabricación sean relativamente costosos [9]. Uno de los procesos de fabricación de materiales compuestos de altas prestaciones más extensamente usados, es el conocido como moldeo en bolsa de vacío [8], este proceso es utilizado para fabricar componentes estructurales ligeros, que funcionan como cascarones o membranas [9] [2]. Al respecto existe información amplia de la manera de llevar acabo este proceso y los insumos necesarios [10] [11].…”