Knowledge-based system for use of FRP materials in cold regions

Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites provide significant advantages for construction of infrastructure in cold regions due (i) to lower weight resulting in greater ease in moving prefabricating components and more rapid construction and (ii) to tailorable performance characteristics giving potentially greater durability than conventional materials. However data related to performance characteristics, structural response and design is sparse and not easily available to the user community. The use of an integrated knowledge based system is seen as a means of alleviating this and providing a basis for further development of this class of materials.