Design and manufacture of composites for buildings

A typical composite is made up of multiple individual layers, usually of fibres in differing directions. In most cases, the forces are transferred through the matrix into the fibres within the layers. Since the matrix is the weaker of the two components, it is of utmost importance to plan the points at which the forces are transferred to the fibres. Dimensioning means 

As has been noted, the properties of composite materials can vary enormously, depending on the constituent materials and the ways they are combined during processing. Different processing techniques have different effects on the material and final component. The following sections look at different processes and their effect on the characteristics of composite building components. 

It is possible to improve the distribution of fibres in the matrix material when the fibres or fibre sheets are mechanically pre-impregnated with the matrix. Such pre-impregnated material is classified as prepreg. In this 

A cheaper alternative is the cold temperature hardening prepreg system. As opposed to heat-hardening prepregs, where the prepreg fabrication can take place at a different place and time than the manufacture of the ultimate component, in the cold temperature process the fabric or rovings are coated with the matrix at the point where the component itself is made. 

The same air-drying laminating resins can be used as a matrix material as are used in hand laminating. These prepregs must be immediately used after their fabrication, and are generally cut and hand-placed in the moulds. 

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