The GFRP profiles as stay-in-place formwork

Abstract

The GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers) materials are characterized by good mechanical properties and very high corrosion resistance. Currently the GFRP profiles in the form of modular structural elements are used as so called decking systems. However, the last researches concern the possibility of using the modular FRP profiles as a stay-in-place (SIP) formwork. In this article the conception of the shape and cross-sectional dimensions selection of the FRP profile was attempted. The conception applies to the prototype of the GFRP profile, which is able to use as a self-supporting formwork in composite slab in building structures on floors or as the deck in composite bridge structures. On the basis of theoretical and practical studies available in the literature, the theoretical evaluation of the composite element were done.