The use of advanced polymer composites to form an economic structural unit.

Abstract

An advanced polymer/continuous fibre composite (APC) and concrete system is an example in which two very dissimilar materials can be joined to form a composite structure. In the current investigation a duplex beam will be analysed where the high-compressive strength concrete is placed above, and the high strength and stiffness fibre/polymer composite is placed below the neutral axis; in this form the two materials will be used to their best advantage. When this structural duplex Tee beam is under load, two failure criteria of the system have been identified. T