Polymer composites are an emerging technology within the construction industry that potentially has a lot to offer in terms of technical, environmental and through life cost benefits. Lack of knowledge, both technical and design, and a widespread application of lowest ëfirst costí purchasing policies, has resulted in a slow uptake of the technology. The composites industry and the academic community have also been very disorganised in presenting information about these materials which has led to widespread confusion and general scepticism about the potential offered.

Composites offer many benefits to the construction process particularly as the emphasis is moving towards factory prefabrication, modular construction and rapid on-site erection. This is because they can be made into components of a wide range of sizes and forms with carefully tailored properties and appearance. The composites industry has very successfully serviced the transport and aerospace industries with bespoke products that meet the quality requirements of these different client groups. The ability to tailor and closely control quality levels for products, coupled with the modular construction approach will be important factors in reducing defects occurring in buildings and achieving best value.

However, before these benefits can be achieved, best practice guidance is urgently required to provide the producers and potential users with information on how to select, specify, produce, install and maintain composite products. This project addresses:

The project will have a strong emphasis on dissemination to maximise the uptake and impact of the best practice guidance produced. Dissemination will be primarily through the forward activities of the Network Group for Composites in Construction (NGCC), an initiative led by BRE, and the normal commercial activities of its members.

The principal objectives of the project are:

The methodology for this project will involve literature review of documented performance of composites in construction applications to highlight potential issues for consideration when designing with composites. This will be strengthened by case study reviews ñ through input from industry and on-site visits ñ this work will compliment and be enhanced by that carried out through the NGCC applications group. An understanding of performance in service is crucial if the long-term durability of composites is to be illustrated and understood. Performance of composites in overseas applications, particularly in hot climates for example, can give a good indication of the limitations of the material, or if specific considerations need to be given to a formulation for use in a particular part of the world. USA and Japan have been very active in the field of composites in construction and can assist the UK in understanding how best to take advantage of the opportunities they offer. This information will be repackaged into appropriate documents suitable for those involved in or looking to become involved in the use of composites in construction.

The project team will use their experience to collate appropriate data without duplication or conflict with ongoing programmes.

The main benefits of the project to industry are: