Materials for a Prototype Human Habitable Bridge

Abstract

A review is made of the general non-construction specifications for innovative as well as construction specification literature available for these materials. This innovation and utilization of advanced composite materials (ACM’s), in the architectural and construction industry, allows for shapes and forms never before available. These ACM's were originally (1930’s and 40’s) known as fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) and glass reinforced polymers (GRP) 1 . Their evolution into ACM's (1960’s) has not yet gained total acceptance in the architecture and construction industry, although many forms of these materials are heavily used in the automotive, aerospace and sports industry. To begin we will look at how these material fibers are made, bonded together with various types of matrices and their structural characteristics for construction. Through new research, ACM's durability, light weight and strength has created a new interest for architects and engineers. We will look at the “Thermo-plastic” and “Thermo-set” processes as well as the newly developed 3-D weaving process, allowing for the weaving of structural shape sections for use in construction. An analysis of these components and their characteristics will illustrate their future potential for architects and engineers as a viable material for use as both a structural member and as an applied veneer for the exterior of a structure. And finally, we will address what the future might look like with these new materials. 1. Engineers Guide to Composite Materials, 1987