Durability of FRP Composites for Use in Civil Infrastructure—From Materials to Application

Although fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have found acceptance for use in civil infrastructure applications such as in reinforcement, in rehabilitation, and in new structural systems there are still concerns related to long-term durability in harsh and changing environmental conditions and after exposure to heat in the form of fire and elevated temperatures seen in some industrial applications. This paper presents examples of carbon-epoxy composites used in civil infrastructure. Results are discussed from both materials and applications perspectives addressing some long-standing myths and providing guidance for field use and design, emphasizing that if processed and used in appropriate fashion these materials can provide tremendous advantages with relatively low concern regarding degradation below threshold values used in design.