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Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite materials are standard in construction because they have a high strength-to-weight ratio, are not corroded, and are versatile in processing.

To begin with, GFRP is commonly applied in actual construction to create primary load-supporting elements such as beams and columns, and floor panels. The application of multi-axial glass fiber patterns in conjunction with weatherable resins allows GFRP components to deliver outstanding tensile and bending strength. For example, beams reinforced with GFRP can reduce cross-sectional dimensions while maintaining structural load-bearing capacity, thereby increasing usable interior space. In floor structures, the excellent flexural properties of GFRP sheets can improve structural stiffness, reduce mid-span deflection, and extend service life.

Secondly, in the construction industry, GFRP is gradually replacing traditional steel reinforcement to improve structural durability and corrosion resistance. Traditional steel reinforcement is easily corroded in humid, salt spray, or chemical environments, while GFRP exhibits excellent corrosion resistance. Experiments show that even in high-salt environments, GFRP retains over 90% of its strength after 1000 hours of accelerated corrosion testing. This makes GFRP an indispensable structural material in coastal bridges, port terminals, and industrial plants. Furthermore, GFRP’s coefficient of thermal expansion is close to that of concrete, preventing stress concentration due to temperature changes and extending the overall lifespan of concrete structures.

GFRP parts are also popularly used in highly corrosive environments, such as bases of tanks in chemical plants, bases of marine platforms, and walls of pools in wastewater plants. These areas are subjected to high levels of acids, bases, and other corrosive agents over a long period. Whereas conventional materials corrode easily, GFRP is nearly impervious to chemical attack. The statistics indicate that after a 6-month exposure to an acid solution, with a pH of 3, the GFRP will have 95% of its original bending strength, hence providing long-term assurance to structures in hostile environments and low maintenance and replacement expenses. Aging infrastructure also needs repair and strengthening, like many road bridges and property buildings. GFRP is a perfect reinforcement material because it is strong, lightweight, and bond bonds well with concrete. In bridge reinforcement projects, the tension part of beams is normally glued with GFRP sheets to strengthen them in bending. GFRP reinforced concrete beams can be reinforced up to 20-50%. In tunnel repairs, GFRP mesh products are used in lining reinforcement to reinforce the surrounding rock and make it more stable and resistant to shear. The installation of GFRP lining is fast and it does not significantly interfere with the existing structure and is thus suitable for emergency repairs of old buildings and bridges.

Finally, in bridge and tunnel engineering, for older bridges, covering the surface of load-bearing components with GFRP sheets or plates, using specialized epoxy resin for strong bonding, can improve load-bearing capacity and slow down the aging process of the structure. In tunnel engineering, GFRP grids work together with concrete to form an integrated support structure, effectively enhancing the tunnel’s shear resistance and long-term stability, especially in earthquake-prone

Performance Comparison of GFRP Applications in Building Structures