Overview of Fibre-Reinforced Polymers in Bridge Construction

In recent years there has been a marked increase in the use of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) as structural elements in bridge construction. This is due to the advantageous properties of these materials, such as low self-weight combined with high strength, the possibility of producing any shape, their high resistance to corrosion and fatigue, and easy maintenance. With this background the Swiss Federal Roads Authority commissioned the Composite Construction Laboratory (CCLab) of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, with the preparation of a state-of-the-art report on the use of fibre-reinforced polymers in bridge construction and also to elaborate recommendations for application and research. This paper summarises the report which comprises the development until the end of the year 2000.