ABSTRACT
Over the past three decades, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have emerged as a promising alternative to steel and concrete for both strengthening existing structures and constructing new ones, due mainly to their excellent corrosion resistance. The longer service life of structures arising from the use of FRP offers an effective means for substantial reductions in carbon emissions per service year, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future for infrastructure development. In this paper, I will provide a brief review of my personal journey over the past three decades in the area of FRP composites in construction, with an emphasis on some of the innovations we have pursued. It is noteworthy that while FRP strengthening has become a mainstream technology widely accepted in practice, the situation is quite different for FRP in new construction. In this connection, ways for more swift adoption of new materials such as FRP in construction are discussed.
