What Does
Fiber-Reinforced Fabric Mean?
Fiber-reinforced fabric is a polymer material that incorporates materials to improve mechanical strength and elasticity. It is a composite generally enhanced with carbon, glass, basalt, or aramid, but other fibers such as wood or paper may be used. Composite materials are integral to the underground infrastructure involved in trenchless construction.
It is also known as fiber-reinforced composite.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Fiber-Reinforced Fabric
Fiber-reinforced fabrics are used in a wide variety of industries. In trenchless construction, fiber-reinforced plastics are used in the manufacture of pipes as well as pipe reliners and other materials. Fiberglass-reinforced pipes, for instance, are lightweight, strong, and resistant to chemicals and corrosion.
Composite materials take on physical or chemical properties different from their individual components. Years of research and testing have demonstrated both the advantages and disadvantages of particular polymers. Fiberglass is generally less expensive, but is less strong or rigid than carbon-based fiber. Carbon polymers offer high tensile strength and temperature tolerance. The selection of suitable construction materials is critical to the success of trenchless operations.