Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites Sandwich Structure: Recent Developments and Applications in Civil Infrastructure

Abstract

The paper presents a review of the recent developments and initiatives on fibre composite sandwich structures, focusing on their application in civil infrastructure. The paper gives an overview of the on-going research and development on innovative composite sandwich structures developed at CEEFC, USQ. On-going research, development and applications of fibre composite sandwich structures in Australia and around the world were reviewed and presented. The recent research, developments and initiatives conducted by the author focus on a novel composite sandwich panel made up of glass fibre-reinforced polymer skins and a modified phenolic core material. A number of barriers that need to be overcome for the continued growth and wide acceptance of this construction system in civil infrastructure are also presented and the potential solutions have been identified for fibre composites sandwich structures to become a more competitive construction material and advancing its potential in civil infrastructure. The paper demonstrates the high possibility of using fibre composites sandwich as an innovative and effective material system in civil engineering and construction. The recent developments and applications of fibre composites sandwich includes structural panels for roofs, floors, walls, and bridge decks. In addition, the innovative sandwich structure is now being used in the development of composite railway sleepers, bridge beams and composite walers. Overcoming challenges and lessons learned in the implementation of fibre composite sandwich construction in civil infrastructure are also identified. The recent developments and applications of fibre composite sandwich structure in civil infrastructure taking place in Australia and around the world are highlighted in this paper. Several new and innovative structural systems have shown that the construction of a more durable and cost-effective infrastructure is possible using fibre composite sandwich structures.