Innovating arch structures with fiber-reinforced polymer composites: A review

• Published in: Advances in Structural Engineering 2023-10, Vol.26 (13), p.2341-2358
• Main Authors: Xia, ZY, Jiang, T, Yu, T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1369-4332; 2048-4011
• DOI: 10.1177/13694332231180373

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are a class of advanced non-metallic materials featuring advantages of high strength, light weight and excellent corrosion resistance. These advantages, in conjunction with the various methods available for making curved FRP members, create a wide range of possibilities for innovating arch structures with FRP composites. However, this subject has received inadequate research attention despite the exciting prospects demonstrated by pioneer studies. This paper provides a review on this subject with the aim to build a holistic picture and engage wider research participation. The paper begins with an overview of four feasible manufacturing/forming methods (vacuum infusion, filament winding, pultrusion and active bending), with an emphasis on their capability of creating curved FRP members and potential applications in arch structures. A review is next made on previous arch projects and relevant novel concepts, which are classified into two categories (all-FRP arches and FRP-incorporating hybrid arches) with distinct functionality and targeted areas of application. On the basis of this review, directions for future development of each of the two categories are highlighted, with a number of challenges and potential solutions discussed.