No doubt, the most
interesting part of HCB is its implementation of FRP? So what is FRP?
Fibre-reinforced plastic
(FRP) (also fibre-reinforced polymer) is a composite material made of a polymer
matrix reinforced with fibres. FRPs are typically organized in a laminate
structure, such that each lamina (or flat layer) contains an arrangement of
unidirectional fibres or woven fibre fabrics embedded within a thin layer of
light polymer matrix material (Figure 1). The fibres, typically composed of
carbon or glass, provide the strength and stiffness. The matrix, commonly made
of polyester, Epoxy or Nylon, binds and protects the fibers from damage, and
transfers the stresses between fibers[1].
The above right picture
is a piece of FRP cut from HCB, showing that fibers orientated at 45 and 0
degree directions in different lamina.
Why FRP? Because of the
high strength of these fibers, FRP can reach the same of higher strength than
steel, but 1/10 lighter---------------consider using FRP in a air-plane, how
much fuel can be saved in one year?-----------------and hence, save the expense
of the labor in the transportation and the erection of the bridge( figure 2).
Also, FRP could save on the painting over its life span because of its nice
anti-corrosion property.
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