We have composite reinforcement tested back in the sixties and seventies. And after its successful application, it entered the market of other countries. Such as Canada, USA, Germany and Japan.
It took a long time for the Americans to start releasing it. At first, they wanted to test the fittings in order to avoid further accidents. The tests were carried out at the American Concrete Institute. After much research, the ACI 440.1R specification was determined. Which is now the most demanded in the world.
Later, they realized the indispensability of fiberglass in Canada. It was perfect for their volatile North American climate. Since it did not corrode. The Americans, too, hastened to learn from them the experience of working with fiberglass reinforcement. Soon it was used on all construction sites. At the moment, at least four hundred bridges have been built in Canada and the United States using this material. She also quickly replaced metal fittings that were previously used in construction in ports. American skyscrapers were also built using it.
When magnetic resonance imaging machines began to be actively introduced, composite reinforcement began to be used even more intensively. Since metal interferes with the operation of MRI machines. Therefore, in the construction of new hospitals, metal fittings are no longer used in America. For the same reason, in these countries, when the construction of an airport generating a power unit is underway, power plants order only fiberglass.
In Europe, builders are also interested in working with fiberglass fittings. Germany was the first to decide to introduce the innovation. In one thousand nine hundred and eighty-six, the country put into operation the bridge, for the construction of which it was used. The first experience was successful. After that, it began to be used in other European countries. For example, in Switzerland (Zurich) in 2009-2010 a runway was built using fiberglass. In Austria, they made a road in two thousand and ten. Not long before that, in two thousand and three, in London, under the Thames, a railway tunnel was built. It is also used when laying the metro. It is rapidly gaining popularity in Europe and Asia.
In Japan, by the mid-nineties, such fittings were already widely used in construction. More than a hundred different projects have been implemented here, in which it was used. A recommendation was drawn up with detailed design information. In 1986-1988, the Japanese built bridges using carbon fiber reinforcement. Then they began to use it for the construction of structures located in the port area and embankments. Also in other places with high humidity.
In de
