Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
AR40308 Advanced composites in construction |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To develop an awareness and enthusiasm for (i) the design & construction of fibre-reinforced polymer structures and (ii) the repair & strengthening of existing structures in order to prolong the life of our infrastructure.
Learning Outcomes: At the end of this unit, the succesful student should be able to decide on the feasibility and appropriateness of the use of fibre-reinforced polymers for specific design applications. In particular, the student will have understanding of the issues involved in the design of polymeric structures, the design of concrete structures with polymeric reinforcement and the design of strengthening schemes for structures and buildings. The student will also be able to demonstrate: * a systematic understanding of this knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of this area of professional practice; * conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current practice and new developments, and propose new solutions; * an ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly. Content: General introduction to Advanced Composites, their properties, advantages and disadvantages, manufacturing processes, case studies. Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs), wholly polymeric structures, design issues, modular construction. FRP as internal concrete reinforcement, general design issues, durability, flexural design, ductility. FRP as internal concrete reinforcement, shear design issues, detailing issues, fire, creep, fatigue. FRP as internal prestress for concrete, external prestress via polymeric ropes, novel reinforcement layouts. FRP strengthening of concrete structures for flexure. FRP strengthening of bridges for shear; use of sheets, bars and plate. FRP strengthening of columns and piers for earthquake and/or vehicle impact, ductility issues, confinement issues with non-circular sections. FRP strengthening of timber, steel, iron, masonry and other structures; sustainability, economics of FRPs. |