It is estimated that the repair or replacement of reinforced concrete (RC) structures associated with the corrosion of steel reinforcement cost the Australian economy more than AU$13 billion per year. Different techniques, albeit expensive, were used to protect steel bars from corrosion, including epoxy or zinc coating and cathodic protection. In extreme circumstances, stainless or galvanized steel bars were used. However, none of these techniques fully eliminated the problems associated with the corrosion of the steel reinforcement. Hence, the use of the Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars, especially Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars, in reinforced concrete structures, particularly those located in coastal regions or harsh environments, has been growing. This presentation will highlight the recent developments and applications of GFRP bars in coastal and marine structures to increase the sustainability of coastal infrastructure. This presentation will provide a thorough understanding of the composition and properties of GFRP reinforcement, recent developments in the reinforcing RC structures with GFRP bars, and design principles for the GFRP bar reinforced concrete structural elements, supplemented with practical examples.

Speakers

A/Prof. Neaz Sheikh
Associate Professor, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia.
A/Prof Sheikh is a recognised expert in concrete structures, composite structures, and structural dynamics. His applied research has contributed to the development of several codes of practice. He has authored over 200 articles (including over 125 journal articles) in highly reputed international journals and conference proceedings. He has supervised the completion of >20 PhD graduates and currently supervising >10 PhD students. He is an Associate Editor of the Australian Journal of Structural Engineering. He is on the Editorial Board of fib Structural Concrete and the International Journal of Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering.
 

Muhammad Hadi
Professor, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia.
Professor Muhammad Hadi has long research background in structural engineering, in particular in the areas of concrete structures, strengthening structures and the use of novel materials to reinforce structures. He has attracted over $2.5 M of research funds, including an ARC DP, and successfully supervised 40 PhD students. Currently, his research team includes 10 PhD students. His research is published in more than 292 ISI journal papers reflect an outstanding Scopus h index of 40 (Google = 49), which is exemplary among Australian Civil Engineering professors. He also has two patents, which regrettably has impeded the publishing of some of his best research outcomes.
 

Dr Khodamorad Nabaki, CPEng, RPEV, RPEQ, NER, APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)
Lead Engineer, Bridges & Civil Structures at Aurecon
Khodamorad holds a Ph.D. degree in Structural Engineering with over 16 years of experience as a Structural Engineer; involved in a design and seismic evaluation of variety of large-scale projects including bridges, high-rise buildings, and civil structures. He is skilled in GFRP and CFRP reinforced concrete design. Dr Nabaki has published numerous papers in refereed journals, conference proceedings and he is a committee member of Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA) and Committee member of Coastal, Ocean and Port Engineering Panel (Engineers Australia).