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The influence of styrene content on styrene added vinylester resin (VER) is investigated. The network structure and its thermal properties is investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the combination of thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) (TGA-FTIR). The glass transition temperatures ( Tgs) of the resins are found to decrease systematically with increasing styrene content, which decreases the crosslink density of the cured materials. The Tg of VER samples cured 97-98% is significantly lower, by as much as 25°C, than the Tg of a fully cured (100%) sample. This is due to the plasticizing effect of unreacted styrene in the network. The combination of TGA and FTIR confirm the evolution of gaseous styrene moieties at the degradation temperature of vinylester groups, the relative amount of styrene emitted being higher with increasing styrene content. A good correlation is found between the thermal properties by DSC and the results obtained from the TGA-FTIR system.

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During the last 5-10 years there has been considerable activity in research and development of fibre composites in the Australian civil engineering market. Areas of activity have included; bridge systems, replacement of large-section hardwood girders, waterfront structures and railway sleepers. The work has involved not only the initial concept development, but also the construction and deployment of full-scale prototypes. Through close involvement of major asset owners, including state road and rail authorities and city councils, these technologies have evolved from initial technology demonstrators to become viable commercial alternatives to traditional structural solutions. This paper presents a review of these developments and examines the process involved in taking these new systems from a novelty to a viable and credible alternative for local asset owners.

This paper presents early experimental results of an ongoing research project into the structural behaviour of monocoque fibre composite truss joints. The testing of three different types of joints will be discussed. Descriptions of the test procedures are presented as well as design and analysis of each jointing method.

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