Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are typically made of fibers like glass, aramid, or carbon in a polyester or vinyl ester resin matrix. FRP bars are being researched to replace steel reinforcement in concrete as steel is susceptible to corrosion which reduces the lifespan of concrete structures. FRP composites are corrosion resistant, lightweight, and strong. They offer easy construction and handling and have applications in new FRP bridge decks, concrete decks with FRP rebar, and strengthening existing structures. However, FRP composites are still under testing and research as connections are difficult and the fibers cannot be easily bent in the field without losing strength. More design work is needed for this material.

1. Fiber-Reinforced PolymerFiber-Reinforced Polymer
(FRP)(FRP)

2. Composition of MaterialComposition of Material
Fiber-ReinforcedFiber-Reinforced
Polymer (FRP)Polymer (FRP)
composites arecomposites are
typically made oftypically made of
fibers such as, glass,fibers such as, glass,
aramid, and carbon inaramid, and carbon in
a polyester or vinyla polyester or vinyl
ester resin matrixester resin matrix

3. Steel Concrete ReinforcementSteel Concrete Reinforcement
Replacement?Replacement?
 FRP bars are beingFRP bars are being
researched to replace steelresearched to replace steel
reinforcement in concrete.reinforcement in concrete.
 The corrosive effects of steelThe corrosive effects of steel
reduce the life of concretesreduce the life of concretes
structures.structures.
 FRP composites are corrosionFRP composites are corrosion
resistant, lightweight, and haveresistant, lightweight, and have
high strength.high strength.
 Easy construction andEasy construction and
handlinghandling
 Applications include theApplications include the
construction of new FRPconstruction of new FRP
bridge deck systems, newbridge deck systems, new
concrete decks with reinforcingconcrete decks with reinforcing
FRP rebar, and theFRP rebar, and the
strengthening and repair ofstrengthening and repair of
existing structures.existing structures.

4. Presently…Presently…
 FRP composites are still under testing andFRP composites are still under testing and
research.research.
 Connections are difficult.Connections are difficult.
 The fiber-reinforcement can’t be bent inThe fiber-reinforcement can’t be bent in
the field without reducing the strength ofthe field without reducing the strength of
the material.the material.
 More designing efforts are required for thisMore designing efforts are required for this
material.material.