Research Activities: 2012

Mechanical Characteristics of Low-cost Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer
 
 Status Complete                    View Final Report: PDF
 
Sequential Number R343
 
Identification Number 00042525
   
Matching Research Agency

Missouri University of Science & Technology
 
Principal Investigator

Mohamed ElGawady
Associate Professor
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, MO 65409
(573) 341-6947
elgawadym@mst.edu
 
Student Involvement

One graduate student
 

Project Objective		 Develop a large strain fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) made out of recycled
fibers. Currently, FRPs have ultimate axial strains in the order of 2%. Using low-modulus high ductility fiber such as polyester in combination with high strength fiber such as glass will result in a hybrid system having higher ductility. In addition, replacing carbon or glass fiber with polyester fiber will significantly reduce the production cost of FRP.
 

Project Abstract		 With the rapid development of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and
Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and their wide use in industry, there is a substantial volume of plastics added to waste streams every year. Both PET and PEN are not biodegradable and hence causing serious environmental issues. On the other hand, both PET and PEN have very high ductility and low modulus. Conventional FRP such as glass FRP, carbon FRP, and aramid FRP possess high modulus but low ductility. Developing hybrid PET-FRP and/or PEN-FRP presents significant improvement for structural applications such as retrofitting concrete columns using
wrapped FRP. The goal of the proposed research is to determine the mechanical characteristics of hybrid PET-FRP and/or PEN-FRP.
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

The PI has two pending projects to investigate the seismic behavior of concrete filled FRP tubes. Producing low-cost high ductility FRP will
significantly improve the seismic performance of concrete filled FRP.
   

Transportation-Related Keywords

 Seismic behavior, FRP
   

Technology Transfer Activities

One technical presentation and/or technical paper
   

Project Deliverables

 A technical report
   

Anticipated Benefits

The proposed research will have significant impact on the new
construction and retrofitting of concrete bridges. Low cost FRP will be developed which will reduce the retrofitting cost. Developing large strain FRP would improve the seismic performance of columns and piles constructed out of concrete filled FRP tubes. In the U.S., 36 states are
required to design bridges for moderate to high seismic forces. Building bridges that can sustain earthquake induced damage would save tax payers billions of dollars related to earthquake loss.
For example, the losses related to repair and replacement of bridges during Northridge (1994) was approximately $0.5 billion.

Milestones
Project Start Date: 05/31/2013
Project End Date:

12/31/2013