RINFORZO DI STRUTTURE METALLICHE MEDIANTE FRP: PANORAMICA DELLA UK PRACTICE STRENGTHENING METALLIC STRUCTURES USING EXTERNALLY- BONDED FRP: AN OVERVIEW OF UK PRACTICE

Strengthening metallic structures using externally-bonded fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) is a young and rapidly developing technique. It allows extension of the lives of structures that are deficient due to corrosion, fatigue, damage, or where a change in use is required. Many of the applications of FRP to metallic structures have been in the UK, where a number of cast-iron and steel bridges and buildings have been strengthened. This paper gives a general overview of the technique, with some examples of metallic structures strengthened using FRP and an exploration of the critical issues that require addressing. Reference is made to the recently completed CIRIA report C595, which describes current best-practice in the UK, and which was published in February 2004.