FRP composites are no longer considered "space-age" materials utilized only for stealth bombers and space shuttles. This versatile material system has become a part of everyday life as composites are now routinely used in automobiles, boats, golf clubs, high-performance bicycles, computer housings, bulletproof vests, prosthetics and thousands of products too numerous to mention here. FRP composites are also providing practical solutions to the civil engineer or owner faced with the challenges of restoring structural integrity, increasing load bearing capabilities, and/or enhancing the strength and stiffness of aging structures. The advantage of composites is that a variety of resin/fiber systems can yield a possible solution most types of situations. Depending on the product and application, the use of FRP products for civil infrastructure/construction applications deliver the following benefits:

	Product and system design can be optimized for specific loads
	Reduced structure dead load can increase load ratings
	Increased structure service life
	Reduced maintenance costs due to resistance from deicing salts and other corrosive agents
	Engineered system packaging reduces field installation time
	Faster construction reducing traffic delays
	Reliability of pre-engineered systems
	Enhanced durability and fatigue characteristics as proven in related applications from other industries
	Products and systems enables value engineering that result in innovative and efficient installations

A myriad of FRP products are available for either the repair or outright replacement of existing structures. Most that have been extensively demonstrated and used around the world. Examples of FRP composite products include:

	New structural shapes applied to beams for bridge decks
	Vehicular and pedestrian bridge systems
	FRP rebars and tendons for concrete reinforcement
	Piling products and systems for marine waterfront structures
	FRP composite systems for repair and strengthening, and seismic retrofit for beams, columns, slabs and walls
	FRP dowel bars for concrete highway pavements

The FRP composite products or engineered systems featured in the Product Locator section of this site are often dramatically different in approach, they each offer the civil engineer consistent performance for longer periods of time than conventional construction materials.

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