From 23 to 27 January, an FRP short course will take place at Ghent University.

Combining the advantages of high strength, light weight, easy application and outstanding durability characteristics, Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) reinforcement technique has increased in popularity in the construction sector. Occupying a share of 17% of the global composites market, composites in construction have become one of its main sectors. In addition, FRP has gained recognition as non-traditional reinforcement and is entering mainstream design codes, such as fib Model Code 2010.

This course is a great occasion to examine both the design and the application of FRP reinforcement in new constructions as well as in rehabilitation. It is taught by acknowledged international experts in FRC. The aim of the course is to provide participants with specific knowledge and skills, allowing them to consider, design and apply systematically FRP reinforcement.

Several fib members will be speaking on this occasion. On the 23rd, Prof. György L. Balázs will discuss the Micromechanics of FRP, their constituent materials and their relationships.

On the 24th, Dr. Christoph Czaderski will give a talk entitled: “Bond of FRP to concrete, material testing and QC of FRP”. For her part, Prof. Renata Kotynia will examine FRP prestressed applications.

On the 25th, Prof. Stijn Matthys will discuss flexural strengthening design while Prof. Joaquim A. O. Barros will address shear strengthening design. In the afternoon, Prof. Thanasis Triantafillou will consider confinement and seismic retrofitting.

On the 26th, Prof. Lluis Torres will address FRP flexural reinforcement. For his part, Dr. Maurizio Guadagnini will consider FRP shear reinforcement and Prof. Valter Carvelli will discuss the durability of FRP reinforced concrete structural elements. For more information, please visit the official website.