Fibre-Reinforced Polymers in Japan

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) currently used in Japan are divided into reinforcing-bar and grid types, which are used instead of reinforcing and prestressing steel, and sheet types, which are used for retrofitting of concrete elements. In both cases, FRP offer unique properties that steel does not have: corrosion resistance; light weight; high strength; and non-magnetism. These properties help to give concrete structures new and better performance and make them easier to build. This paper describes current developments and applications of FRP in Japan, and discusses their future potential.