HYTHE BRIDGE
OXFORD, UK
Engineers lack sufficient information on how to
deal with composite materials systems at the
design and specification stage.
Classification and Assessment of Composite Materials Systems for use in
the Civil Infrastructure
Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials are being used increasingly in a very large range of applications,
in both new build and repair. FRP is used in conjunction with adhesives and laminating resins, and the
combination of materials when applied to the parent materials is termed a materials system. The growth
in the use of composite materials systems for very different applications involving concrete, metallic and
timber structures signalled the need for more guidance for the design, application and approval
processes.
Oxford Brookes University supported by AEA Technology, Mouchel Consulting and Tony Gee & Partners
are addressing the development of a performance-based classification scheme to enable engineering
designers to select materials systems on the basis of performance requirements. Qualification
procedures are being developed for the assessment of materials systems on site, involving the
development of manufacturing techniques for on-site fabrication of reliable and consistent test pieces.
This activity is linked with the development of in-service health monitoring techniques that employ both
destructive and non-destructive testing.
Generic design and application guidance is being complied that utilises the performance classification
scheme as well as being informed by experience. Case histories are being used to further reinforce the
guidance. The major outputs from this project include the performance classification scheme, test
protocols (laboratory and site-based), design guidance, and practical application guidance.
INDUSTRIAL ADVISORY GROUP
PROJECT SUMMARY
A project industrial advisory group (IAG) comprises materials suppliers, civil engineering
Title
contractors, engineering designers, specifiers and specifying authorities. The group
Classification and Assessment of
meets twice a year, receives regular updates on the outcomes of the separate
Composite Materials for use in the
Civil Infrastructure
Objectives
To develop a performance-based
classification scheme for the
workpackages and enjoys access to a closed website. The IAG influence the direction of
the work, members provide direct and indirect inputs to the project, and they have direct
access to the projects’ outputs.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS, PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS, AND
DESIGN AND CODE REQUIREMENTS
The range of principal applications for composite materials systems associated primarily
with repair work is reviewed early in the project. This forms the basis for assessing the
selection of composite materials
material and structural requirements, and appropriate forms and types of materials
systems
systems for use. Current design approaches, design parameters, safety factors,
To identify, adapt and develop
acceptance procedures and test protocols are appraised and analysed.
qualification and quality control
PERFORMANCE CLASSIFICATION SCHEME
procedures associated with on-site
applications of composite materials
The property requirements of entire materials systems are used to develop a
systems
comprehensive performance-based classification scheme that combines component
To compile generic design and
materials separately into a materials system. The scheme includes design life / durability
application guidance, reinforced with
case history material
requirements, and it identifies test protocols and qualification limits on materials
parameters for use in specification.
QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES, LONG-TERM
PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH MONITORING
Keywords
Adhesives; classification; composite
materials; design; health monitoring;
structures; test methods; validation
Mechanical test procedures and protocols are validated and documented, including
techniques for the fabrication and testing of specimens appropriate to both laboratory and
on-site evaluation. Destructive and non-destructive test methods are identified for longterm assessments of changes in materials systems/bonded joint systems. These
methods include laboratory-based predictive techniques and on-structure site-based
Exploitation
Checking authorities; clients;
designers; materials suppliers;
specifiers
methods.
GENERIC DESIGN AND APPLICATION GUIDES
A generic design guide covering the principal applications of composite materials systems
will be developed as the project progresses. This will illustrate the performance
classification scheme approach to satisfy the design requirements. Generic specification
Contact
and practical application guidance will also be developed. The latter is essential for
Professor Allan Hutchinson
ensuring an acceptable outcome in reality because workmanship and on-site materials
Oxford Brookes University
conformance issues dictate overall quality.
Tel:
01865 483504
Fax:
CASE HISTORIES AND VALIDATION EXERCISES
A range of case history applications, together with the associated quality control
01865 484179
procedures and health monitoring protocols, is used to highlight different design
E-mail:
considerations and materials performance requirements. Full validation exercises of the
arhutchinson@brookes.ac.uk
performance-based design, specification and approval process for commercial contracts
demonstrate the benefits of the new procedure.