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oa Applications of the advanced FRP composites to restore and improve urban infrastructure
- Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
- Source: QScience Proceedings, Engineering Leaders Conference 2014 on Engineering Education, Aug 2015, Volume 2015, 54
Abstract
An engineering grand challenge, identified by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), is to restore and improve urban infrastructure. It is widely known that the aging and failing urban infrastructure is a worldwide challenge. Most recently, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has assigned a grade of “D+” to the US infrastructure, across sixteen categories. ASCE estimates that it will cost each American family $31,00 annually in personal disposable income unless the backlog of projects and deferred maintenance are duly addressed nationwide.
Engineers of 21st century will have the formidable challenge of restoring and improving infrastructure in view of limited resources and funding. Regarding the transportation systems, it has been recognized that innovative design and advanced materials can provide a more sustainable solution. In this paper, the application of the advanced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite, a novel construction material—christened the material of 21st century—will be presented for infrastructure revitalization and renewal. Two major initiatives, utilizing FRP composites, will be described to demonstrate successful real-life applications. One of the initiatives involves the use of advanced FRP composite materials for replacement of an existing deteriorated short-span bridge superstructure. The second initiative involves rehabilitation of two existing severely deteriorated long-span box-girder bridges using post-tensioning CFRP plates via StressHead System.