Standardization News

Fiber reinforced polymers are used to strengthen concrete, wood and steel structures above and below ground as well as under water. Two proposed new ASTM International standards will provide an approach to quality control inspection and reporting for fiber reinforced polymers in all industries.

The proposed new standards are: WK46050, Guide for the Inspection of Bond Critical FRP Applications for Concrete Structures in Power Generation Facilities; and WK46051, Guide for the Inspection of Bond Critical FRP Applications for Steel Structures in Power Generation Facilities.

"FRP systems were once considered an emerging technology, but are now widely accepted as a practical and cost-effective approach for strengthening and protecting infrastructure elements, including transportation and marine structures, water mains and structures used in the power industry," says ASTM member Ramon Pelaez, coating and corrosion manager and branch safety officer, New England region, Greenman Pedersen Inc.

Both proposed new standards will provide practical guidance to end users during inspection, testing and reporting of installation of the structural FRP system in conformance to industry standard requirements and recommended practices.

The specific materials covered by the proposed standards are used to rehabilitate aging or damaged infrastructure, extend service life or structurally enhance infrastructure members. Aging infrastructure rehabilitated with FRP will extend service life and ensure safe operation.

WK46050 and WK46051 are being developed by Subcommittee D33.02 on Service and Material Parameters, part of ASTM International Committee D33 on Protective Coating and Lining Work for Power Generation Facilities. D33.02 welcomes facility owner representatives, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and other subject matter experts to assist in the development of these proposed standards.

CONTACT Technical Information: Ramon Pelaez, Greenman Pedersen Inc. • Southbridge, Mass. • Phone: 508-612-5769 | ASTM Staff: Joseph Hugo • Phone: 610-832-9740 | Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 15-16, 2015 • in conjunction with Electric Power Research Institute/Nuclear Utility Coatings Council meetings • Orlando, Fla.