COST Action TU1207 Next Generation Design Guidelines for Composites in Construction: End of Action Conference Proceedings

Construction
is rapidly becoming the leading outlet for FRP composites. Although the use of
composite materials in construction started in the 1980s, civil engineers only
recently started gaining confidence in this technology for use in primary
structural applications. Despite the considerable technological developments in
this field, there are still key scientific and logistical issues that need to
be addressed for the widespread acceptance in construction. For example,
existing design recommendations are largely based on work carried out more than
fifteen years ago on first generation reinforcing products and their
conservativeness is hindering the development of innovative and more efficient
products and design solutions.This Action aims to:<br>·
coordinate European
research in the field<br>·
develop and
maintain a critical mass of researchers<br>·
offer a link
between academia and industry<br>·
develop a new
generation of design guidelines based on European Standards

This
will facilitate the adoption of European products not only in Europe but also
internationally and help Europe stay one step ahead of International
competitors.This conference proceedings marks the end of four years of activities and includes 55
individual contributions on key areas of development, from material development
to testing, design and application.