Buro Happold win Polymer Composite research project
Consulting engineers Buro Happold, in partnership with Bath University, have won an important research project into applications of polymer composites in the construction industry. The project is being managed by CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) and is jointly funded by them, the DETR, through their Partners in Innovation scheme, and a number of raw material suppliers and composites manufacturers.
The aim of the project is to promote the appropriate use of polymer composites in the construction industry. These materials (including carbon and glass fibres used as cables, mats and shells) have great potential to improve aspects of construction, mainly due to their high strength to weight ratio, and good resistance to external conditions. However there are some concerns about their use due to a perception of limited lifetime, high cost and the difficulty in procuring them efficiently.
In order to overcome these perceived barriers the project will seek to demonstrate through case studies, from the UK and other countries where the use of composites in construction is more advanced, that the materials can perform very well over an extended period of time, and fully meet client needs. Through workshops and discussions with a range of industry players a number of areas for future application will also be identified. The findings of this work will be brought together with design guidance to produce a comprehensive CIRIA report to enable far better use of polymer composites in the future. A series of dissemination workshops will complete the project.
If you have case studies you would like to contribute to the study, or would like to take part in the workshops to discuss future applications of composites, then please contact the project team, either Mike Taverner in the Bath office, or Andrew Cripps in the London office.
