Applications of FRP Materials to Prestressed Concrete Bridges and Other Structures in Japan

After reviewing the characteristics and properties of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), this article outlines the series of research and development programs that are being conducted in Japan on FRP materials. Authors discuss the design and construction experiences that have been gained from using FRP materials as a replacement of conventional reinforcement in prestressed concrete bridges and other civil engineering structures. It is concluded that with the experience gained so far, and as fabrication costs are lowered, there will be increasing applications of FRP materials in the construction market.