The environmental impacts of fibre-reinforced polymer composites in construction

Fibre-reinforced polymer composites have gained increasing popularity within the bridge engineering sector, mainly due to the financial benefits often associated with their use. As concerns grow over climate change and depletion of natural resources, it is important that the environmental – in addition to cost – implications of their use should be considered. This paper conducts, within the general framework of life cycle assessment, a review of the literature on various aspects of this topic. The environmental credentials of this relatively new class of materials are examined at the material level in terms of embodied impacts and based on two case studies, for bridge decking applications. Aspects such as end-of-life disposal and use of alternative, bio-based materials are also discussed. Based on the work in this paper, better understanding of the environmental impacts of fibre-reinforced polymer composites in construction can be gained and areas of further research identified.