Innovative Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Materials for Sustainable Concrete Infrastructure

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The deterioration of concrete infrastructure owing to corrosion of reinforcement steel is one of the major challenges facing the construction industry today. Worldwide, governments and industrial firms are looking for infrastructure systems that are stronger, last longer, are more resistant to corrosion, and cost less to build and maintain. Engineers all over the world are searching for new and affordable construction materials as well as innovative approaches and systems to solve problems. An effective solution to this problem is corrosion-resistant materials, such as high-performance fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Recently, this cutting-edge technology has emerged as one of the most cost-effective alternatives to traditional solutions. The achievements and contributions of the applicant's NSERC-Industrial Research Chair (IRC) in FRP Reinforcement for Concrete Infrastructure during its fourth five-year term (10/2015-09/2020) have achieved widespread recognition and significantly impacted the advancement of FRP technology through the development of innovative and durable FRP reinforcement for concrete structures, combined with many successful field applications in Canada and abroad. The research proposed in this NSERC Alliance grant application extends the work accomplished by this NSERC chair and will focus on the following main objective: (1) assess existing and development of new FRP products; (2) conduct durability assessment, service-life prediction, and life-cycling costing; (3) conduct laboratory structural testing of FRP prototypes and analytical modelling; (4) perform field implementation and structural-health monitoring; and (5) transfer the FRP technology to end users, and the construction industry including training of highly qualified personnel. The proposed research will increase use of FRP in the construction industry worldwide, providing Canadian FRP manufacturers the possibility to expand their manufacturing capabilities and their export potential. New job opportunities will be created in the Canadian construction industry, the repair/rehabilitation industry, and FRP manufacturing companies. This will benefit Canada's economic development.