Applications of pultruded advanced composites

Even though they are still used far more often in non-structural elements or in secondary structures, important applications of GFRP profiles in primary structures have also started to be developed in recent years. These applications, which were initially instigated under pilot and/or research projects but are now finding their own way, concern both pedestrian and vehicular bridges, as well as buildings (Figs 9.14 and 9.15). 

The use of GFRP pultruded shapes (using either profiles or deck systems) also seems to have a great potential to replace the degraded timber flooring of buildings located in old districts. In this specific application, the use of the traditional steel profiles or reinforced concrete elements is usually either 

75 Examples of GFRP pultruded products for non-structural applications and secondary structures (a) insulated ladders (b) stairways with handrails (c) floor gratings (d) working platforms and walkways (e) building fagade panels (courtesy of Strongwell). 

14 Lleida Bridge (courtesy of Juan Sobrino/Pedelta). 

The non-corrodibility and the lack of electromagnetic interference, together with the high tensile strength, have been the main factors determining the use of FRP bars instead of steel bars. FRP bars have thus been essentially 

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