In the scorching heat of the desert, where temperatures can soar to extremes, a new study is shedding light on how to build structures that can withstand the test of time and temperature. Nour Ghazal Aswad, a materials scientist from the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, has been delving into the world of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) to understand how they behave in reinforced concrete (RC) beams under elevated temperatures. Her findings, published in Composites Part C: Open Access, could have significant implications for the energy sector and construction industry, particularly in regions prone to high temperatures and fire risks.
Aswad’s research focuses on the performance of RC prismatic beams reinforced with different types of FRP bars—specifically, glass FRP (GFRP) and basalt FRP (BFRP)—under various conditions. The study is a deep dive into how these materials fare when exposed to temperatures as high as 700°C, mimicking real-world scenarios like fires or extreme weather conditions.
The results are intriguing. Aswad found that BFRP-reinforced beams showed a remarkable 17% higher residual load-carrying capacity and 32.3% greater toughness at 200°C and 400°C compared to GFRP-reinforced beams. However, at 700°C, the tables turned, with BFRP beams exhibiting a 22% lower capacity and 26.9% reduction in toughness. “The performance of these materials at high temperatures is crucial for their application in structural engineering,” Aswad notes, highlighting the importance of understanding these nuances.
But the story doesn’t end there. The study also explored the impact of bar diameter, surface texture, and concrete cover. Sand-coated GFRP bars, for instance, showed up to a 27% improvement in load-carrying capacity compared to ribbed GFRP bars. A larger concrete cover also contributed to better overall flexural performance under elevated temperatures.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Aswad’s research could pave the way for more resilient and durable structures, particularly in regions with extreme temperatures. This is not just about building structures that can withstand the heat; it’s about ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and climate change.
The energy sector, with its critical infrastructure, stands to benefit significantly from these findings. Power plants, refineries, and other energy facilities often operate in harsh environments and are at risk of fires and extreme temperatures. By incorporating FRP reinforcements that can withstand these conditions, the industry can enhance the safety and reliability of its operations.
Aswad’s work is a testament to the power of materials science in shaping the future of construction and infrastructure. As she puts it, “Understanding the behavior of these materials under extreme conditions is key to developing more robust and sustainable structures.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and extreme weather events, the need for resilient and durable infrastructure has never been greater. Aswad’s findings offer a glimpse into how advanced materials like BFRP and GFRP can play a pivotal role in building a more resilient future.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, so too will the materials and technologies that underpin it. Aswad’s research is a step in that direction, providing valuable insights that could shape the future of structural engineering and the energy sector. With the publication of her work in Composites Part C: Open Access, the English translation of which is ‘Composites Part C: Open Access’, the industry has a new tool in its arsenal to build stronger, safer, and more sustainable structures. The future of construction is heating up, and materials science is leading the way.