FRP Composite Structures Theory, Fundamentals, and Design

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in infrastructure systems has grown considerably in recent years because of the durability of composite materials. New constituent materials, manufacturing techniques, design approaches, and construction methods are being developed and introduced in practice by the FRP composites community to cost-effectively build FRP structural systems. FRP Composite Structures: Theory, Fundamentals, and Design brings clarity to the analysis and design of these FRP composite structural systems to advance the field implementation of structural systems with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance costs. It develops simplified mathematical models representing the behavior of beams and plates under static loads, after introducing generalized Hooke?s Law for materials with anisotropic, orthotropic, transversely isotropic, and isotropic properties. Subsequently, the simplified models coupled with design methods including FRP composite material degradation factors are introduced by solving a wide range of practical design problems. This book:

• Explores practical and novel infrastructure designs and implementations
• Uses contemporary codes recently approved
• Includes FRP case studies from around the world
• Ensures readers fully understand the basic mechanics of composite materials before involving large-scale number crunching
• Details several advanced topics including aging of FRPs, typical failures of structures including joints, and design simplifications without loss of accuracy and emphasis on failure modes
• Features end of chapter problems and solved examples throughout.

This textbook is aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students and industry professionals focused on the analysis and design of FRP composite structural members. It features PowerPoint lecture slides and a solutions manual for adopting professors.

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Engineering Properties of Composite Materials Chapter 3 Mechanics of FRP Composite Lamina Chapter 4 Mechanics of FRP Composite Laminates Chapter 5 Analysis of FRP Composite Beams Chapter 6 Analysis of FRP Composite Plates Chapter 7 Design Philosophy and Basis of FRP Composite Structural Members Chapter 8 Design of Pultruded FRP Axial Tension Members Chapter 9 Flexural Member Design Chapter 10 Design of Pultruded FRP Axial Compression Members Chapter 11 Design of Connections for FRP Members Chapter 12 Design of Combined Loads for FRP Members

After joining West Virginia University in 1969 as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Hota attained the rank of Maurice & JoAnn Wadsworth Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, and became a Fellow of ASCE and SEI. Dr. Hota has been directing the Constructed Facilities Center since 1988 (a Center of Excellence designated by the U.S. Congress in 2000), and also the Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure, both co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Through many interdisciplinary activities, he has worked to advance the state-of-the-art of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials and their applications to infrastructure systems. Dr. Hota has demonstrated success by field-implementing his research findings and technical innovations for construction and rehabilitation of a wide spectrum of engineering systems in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alaska, and other states. In addition to the application of FRPs for highway and railroad structures, he has utilized FRP composites for corrosion resistant storage buildings and economical modular housing. Recently, Dr. Hota has been involved with innovations of naval vessels, prefabricated pavements, utility poles, high pressure gas pipes, sheet piling, natural fiber reinforced composites and others. Dr. Hota has published over 400 technical papers on a wide range of subjects in refereed journals and proceedings, in addition to textbooks and book chapters. He has received fourteen patents and many national awards. He advised over 300 M.S. and Ph.D. students towards successful completion of their degree requirements. His pioneering accomplishments have been covered by CNN, ABC Evening News, KDKA-Pittsburgh, WV-PBS, and many others.

Woraphot Prachasaree received a B.Eng. degree in civil engineering from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand in 1997 and an M.Eng. degree in the field of stru