Choice of the Composite System

Abstract

The design of a strengthening system using composite materials can be defined as a multiscale design. Diversely from traditional strengthening systems, those using composite materials allow for a planning of the material that varies according to the features required for the specific system and to the mechanical properties of the support. In the majority of cases, the designer has no other choice than to choose from among the materials proposed by the manufacturers’ sales catalogs, thus limiting the choice to fibers, yarns, and fabrics dictated by manufacturing companies. Under specific circumstances, with large quantities of material, it is, nevertheless, possible to design and order an ad hoc production of non-standard sized fabrics having the physicochemical properties most suitable for the required strengthening system.

This chapter covers the different composite systems and the benefits deriving from them. It analyzes the benefits and problems of composite systems using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), steel-reinforced grout (SRG), fiber-reinforced grout (FRG), and steel-reinforced polymer (SRP).