Extending the Lifespan of Bridges and Highways
Canada’s concrete infrastructures are suffering from advanced deterioration and often have to be repaired at a high cost. Since they need to keep operating for several decades under very severe conditions, they have to meet strict criteria on their physical and mechanical features to ensure their short- and long-term structural integrity.
As Canada Research Chair in Composite Materials Used for Civil Engineering Structures, Dr. Brahim Benmokrane is studying fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite reinforcements.
FRP composites are attracting significant interest and are increasingly being used in building or repairing structures. Benmokrane aims to increase knowledge about their use by studying their properties, efficiency and durability.
He also plans to design hybrid or single-material components and structures for transportation infrastructures, building structures, or energy generation and transmission.
Benmokrane’s work will be vital for civil engineering infrastructures, because of both the economic advantages these new materials offer, and new environmental protection and sustainable development requirements.