A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Vast potential seen for composite reinforcements in structural, architectural applications
In 2001, approximately 3 billion pounds of composite product were manufactured in the USA. Of that, about 675 million pounds went into construction applications. Examples for load bearing structures are gratings, railings, catwalks, primary and secondary structural elements, bridges, and pilings. Non-load structures include swimming pools, concrete forming pans, cooling towers, highway delineators, pre-fabricated homes, and bathroom components. The 675 million pounds for construction applications represent a 13.1 % drop over previous years. Today, forecasts for the construction markets are brighter as housing starts are projected to outpace those of the year ago, and there are new developments in composite applications. Composites have always offered flexibility of designing a product to meet the specific needs. Durability in the form of corrosion resistance, life span and low maintenance costs are other reasons to consider composites in long-term applications. An emerging segment of the construction market is the infrastructure market including applications such as wind generator blades, bridges, marine structures, seismic protection and other large scale construction applications. Also, composite rebar, generally made using either aramide or carbon fibres, is finding its way into new sectors. Unfortunately, before this evolving area can grow to its potential levels, a large effort is needed to educate civil engineers and government officials about the benefits of composites.
Vast potential seen for composite reinforcements in structural, architectural applications
In 2001, approximately 3 billion pounds of composite product were manufactured in the USA. Of that, about 675 million pounds went into construction applications. Examples for load bearing structures are gratings, railings, catwalks, primary and secondary structural elements, bridges, and pilings. Non-load structures include swimming pools, concrete forming pans, cooling towers, highway delineators, pre-fabricated homes, and bathroom components. The 675 million pounds for construction applications represent a 13.1 % drop over previous years. Today, forecasts for the construction markets are brighter as housing starts are projected to outpace those of the year ago, and there are new developments in composite applications. Composites have always offered flexibility of designing a product to meet the specific needs. Durability in the form of corrosion resistance, life span and low maintenance costs are other reasons to consider composites in long-term applications. An emerging segment of the construction market is the infrastructure market including applications such as wind generator blades, bridges, marine structures, seismic protection and other large scale construction applications. Also, composite rebar, generally made using either aramide or carbon fibres, is finding its way into new sectors. Unfortunately, before this evolving area can grow to its potential levels, a large effort is needed to educate civil engineers and government officials about the benefits of composites.
Vast potential seen for composite reinforcements in structural, architectural applications
Riesiges Potential für die Anwendung von Verbundwerkstoffen im Bauwesen
Kaufmann, J. (author)
T3 Technical Textile Technology ; 1 ; 52-53
2002
2 Seiten, 1 Bild
Article (Journal)
English