Canadian research on FRP in construction

Canadian research on FRP applications in construction is described. The research is carried out mainly in Canadian universities, or in some Canadian federal government laboratories, and is focused on the design, construction, and repair/strengthening of reinforced concrete structures. The research on new structures focuses primarily on bridges, particularly on bridge decks, while research related to repair/strengthening involves bridges and buildings. The FRP of choice in Canada is CFRP, with some research involving GFRP. The research results have led to the development of FRP design codes for both buildings and bridges and to a number of demonstration projects and field applications. To date, two highway bridges have been constructed in Canada in which some of the bridge girders are prestressed with CFRP tendons. In addition, a number of other bridges have been constructed where the deck slab and barrier walls have been partially or entirely reinforced with CFRP or GFRP bars. CFRP sheets and laminates have been used to repair/strengthen concrete structures for increased flexural, axial, and shear strength.