Composites with 3-D stitched fabrics

Advances in fibre‐reinforced polymer composite bridge decks

“…The low elastic modulus and brittle rupture of glass composites have led to advances in designs with two-and three-dimensionally stitched fabrics [1] with 50-55% glass fibre volume fraction [8,9]. Occasionally, carbon fabrics coupled with glass are being used to further enhance the elastic modulus of the composite.…”

“…All appropriate failure checks at the laminate level, shape level, and system level have to be made under tension, compression including buckling, shear, bending, and combined forces. In addition, several checks have to be made at a system level for: (1) allowable bending and shear stresses; (2) deflections including bending and shear effects; (3) local buckling checks; (4) lateral-torsional buckling stress limits; and (5) joints with adhesive bonding and/or mechanical fasteners.…”

“…However, the development of stronger, stiffer, more durable, more economical, and consistently higher-quality FRP composite aerospace products is one major reason for the emergence of FRP composite bridges. Engineering of new composites utilizing complex structural fabrics [1], resins [2], and innovative structural systems uses well-established manufacturing processes, such as pultrusion and vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding to mass-produce bridge deck modules.…”