Case Histories and Use of FRP for Prestressing Applications

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have been proposed for use in lieu of steel for prestressing applications. The use of FRP has been growing rapidly in recent years. FRP provides options and benefits not available using traditional materials. The promise of FRP materials lies in their high-strength, lightweight, noncorrosive, nonconducting, and nonmagnetic properties. In 2005, ACI Committee 440, Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement, published ACI 440.4R-04, “Prestressing Concrete Structures with FRP Tendons,” as one of several guides in ACI’s Emerging Technology Series to provide recommendation for the use of FRP materials based on available test data, technical reports, and limited field applications. The aim of this document is to help practitioners implement FRP technology while providing testimony that design and construction with FRP materials systems is rapidly moving from emerging to mainstream technology.

In addition to this publication, ACI Committee 440 organized a special technical session entitled “Case Histories and Use of FRP for Prestressing Applications” at the ACI Fall 2006 Convention in Denver, Colorado, on November 8, 2006. The session provided a worldwide state-of-the-art forum for researchers, civil/structural engineers, contractors, consultants, practitioners, and regulatory authorities to exchange recent advances in both research and practice. The technical papers presented at the session and published in this volume included the most recent analytical and experimental research work as well as selected field applications, design, and construction guidelines. The session was well attended, and generated substantial technical discussion and exchange of new technology.

This Special Publication consists of 10 papers, some of which were presented in the special session sponsored by ACI Committee 440 at the ACI Fall 2006 Convention.