This project investigates the long-term effect of different environmental conditions (e.g. sea-water and high temperature) and sustained loading on the structural properties of the FRP materials. These include the mechanical and the physical properties of these materials. The objectives of the proposed project are twofold: 1) Expand the current experimental study to determine the combined effect of sea-water, high temperature and sustained loading on the structural properties of thermoset composite materials; and, 2) Develop analytical models using the experimental data to predict the performance of composite structures in seawater and offshore applications. In addition to contributing to the science and engineering of FRP composite materials, the study will have a major impact in predicting and assessing the durability of FRP composites in practical applications of structures subjected to sustained loading. This in turn will help manufacturers and practicing engineers in the UAE to select adequate materials for long term applications, and will help designers and code agencies in the Gulf region to provide proper standards for the safe applications of FRP composites in engineering infrastructure.
