The behaviour of FRP composites at very low temperatures in civil engineering applications

FRP composites in civil applications are most likely to be applied to deteriorated structural members as externally applied laminates through the utilization of processes such as wet lay-up, pultrusion and resin infusion. All these techniques in rehabilitation are extensively used under ambient environmental conditions in the field rather than factory controlled environments. Subzero and very cold-temperature field applications in FRP composite retrofitting comprise new challenges for the control of quality and uniformity of FRP composites and their adhesives. Accordingly, and due to the notable knowledge gap in this specific durability- related aspect, enhanced researches are yet to be launched systematically with new field applications to be implemented progressively in these environments. A brief review of some research activities related to the performance of FRP composites in cold regions is presented. In particular, the issues discussed in this review are material properties, mechanical attributes, effect of temperature- range exposure and failure modes of different FRP composites applied to both concrete and steel members under subzero conditions. On the basis of this review, some important topics for future plans are highlighted.