Preface

Advanced composites such as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) are promising materials for civil infrastructure application. Despite their relatively short history in research and implementation, significant advances have been made over the last two decades. Federal and municipal agencies now accept these non-conventional construction materials. Practitioners are eager to use them for their projects to improve the sustainability of constructed structural members. The objective of this book, Advanced Composites in Bridge Construction and Repair, is to identify current scientific challenges facing the infrastructure community, and to address them for the benefit of the general public, technically and socioeconomically. A total of ten chapters have rigorously been reviewed and selected for publication. The authors of each chapter are considered experts and leaders in the research community. Technical contents include use of advanced composites for bridge construction and performance monitoring, prestressed FRP composites, bond behavior of the composite–concrete interface, non-conventional composite honeycomb bridge decks and all composite superstructures, and repair of deteriorated bridges. The emphasis of this book is placed on fundamental research issues and practical application on site. Advanced Composites in Bridge Construction and Repair provides critical information to practicing engineers, government officials, and academics. There is no doubt that the compilation of the state-of-the-art technologies will advance our knowledge-oriented society, in particular constructed civil infrastructure. The editor gratefully acknowledges Ms Emily Cole and Mr Francis Dodds at Woodhead Publishing for their tireless professional service.