Fiber-reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have emerged as a revolutionary class of structural materials in civil engineering due to their high specific strength, lightweight nature, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior fatigue properties. Since their initial use in the 1950s and 1960s, FRPs have been increasingly integrated into civil infrastructures. A notable early application was the use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) on the spire of a church in Smethwick, U.K., in 1961. Traditionally, steel cables have been the material of choice for cable-stayed bridges, but they are prone to corrosion and fatigue failure, particularly in coastal regions. The combined effects of corrosive air and stress accelerate the degradation of steel cables, prompting the exploration of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) as a more durable alternative. Despite the growing adoption of FRPs, there remain significant gaps in understanding their long-term performance, optimal design strategies, and integration with traditional materials.
This Research Topic aims to provide a platform for engineers and scientists to share their latest progress in the design and characterization of FRP structures for civil applications. The primary objectives include addressing specific questions related to the durability, performance, and failure mechanisms of FRP structures. Additionally, the research seeks to test hypotheses concerning the effectiveness of FRP materials under various environmental and load conditions. By fostering a collaborative environment, this topic aims to advance the knowledge base and practical applications of FRP composites in civil engineering.
To gather further insights into the advancements and challenges in the use of FRP composites in civil engineering, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Design and characterization of different FRP structures for civil engineering
• Applications of FRP structures in civil engineering
• Failure and life prediction of FRP structures in civil engineering
• Development of numerical and analytical models for the design and analysis of FRP structures in civil engineering
• Application and performance of civil FRP structures under extreme conditions
Keywords: fiber reinforced composites, civil engineering, design, fabrication, application
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
