NGCC Reviews Use of Fibre Reinforced Polymers in Restoration and Conservation

The Network Group for Composites in Construction (NGCC) has undertaken a state-of-the-art review of the use fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) in restoration and conservation. Experts from UK industry and academia met in London in January 2007 to discuss the latest challenges in the field and present case studies. The workshop was one of a series of public events organised by NGCC, with free places for NGCC members, which advance understanding in the use of FRP in construction and share the latest developments with construction professionals and clients. The workshop identified the significant potential of FRP in the preservation of historical structures.

In the last two decades, fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) have gained considerable worldwide interest and growing acceptance in the construction industry. Much work has already been done to enable their advantages to be exploited in the preservation of historic structures, particularly their high strength, durability, cost effectiveness and the potential for minimal aesthetic impacts. Work is now underway to expand the range of potential applications, exploring important issues such as long-term durability, material compatibility, minimising invasiveness, upgrade reversibility and optimising material selection.

The workshop findings have led to the production of a new NGCC technical sheet ‘TS06: FRPs in restoration’. The publication and workshop presentations can be downloaded from the NGCC members’ e-library on the NGCC website.