Civil Engineering Materials

Manufacturing Techniques for Polymer Composites

Manufacturing Techniques for Polymer Composites Used in Construction The two parts of this article concentrate upon the manufacturing techniques for civil engineering fibrereinforced thermosetting and thermoplastic polymer composites, respectively. Manufacture of fibrereinforced thermosetting composites There are three basic techniques used to manufacture advanced polymer composites for the civil engineering industry; each technique will have an […]

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Civil Engineering Materials

Fibres for Polymer Composites

Fibres for polymer composites When a load is applied to a fibre-reinforced composite consisting of a low-modulus matrix reinforced with high-strength, high-modulus fibres, the viscoelastic flow of the matrix under stress transfers the load to the fibre; this results in a high-strength, high-modulus material that determines the stiffness and strength of the composite and is

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Civil Engineering Materials

Properties of Polymers

Properties of Polymers Mechanical Properties  Thermoplastic polymers, which are not cross-linked, derive their strength and stiffness from the properties of the monomer units and their high molecular weight. Consequently, in crystalline thermoplastic polymers there is a high degree of molecular order and alignment, and during any heating the crystalline phase will tend to melt and

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Civil Engineering Materials

Deterioration of Masonry

There are a large number of mechanisms by which masonry structures can deteriorate; these can be categorised into: Chemical/biological attack on either the mortar or the units or both, due to water and waterborne acids, sulphates, pollution and chemicals released by growing plants. Corrosion of embedded metal (usually steel) components, particularly ties, straps, reinforcing rods,

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Civil Engineering Materials

Non-structural Physical Properties of Masonry

The main non-structural function of masonry elements is as a cladding to buildings and the key function of such elements is to maintain habitable conditions within the building. It is therefore important to know how effective masonry wall systems are at preventing heat loss in winter and maintaining comfortable conditions in summer, preventing ingress of

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