Table 1.
Work areas and activities of architects/civil engineers in the context of FRP in construction
| Country | Work area | Main work activities in the work area |
|---|---|---|
| PL | Expertise of structures requiring repairs |
|
| PL | Production of composite reinforcement |
|
| PL | Development of production technology |
|
| PL | Strengthening of bridges, strengthening of concrete structures |
|
| PL | Design of FRP reinforcements |
|
| PL | The use of composites for concrete reinforcement (Combridge, Floors, Tram base, wall cladding |
|
| PL | Design and prototyping |
|
| PL | Strengthening of masonry structures |
|
| PL | Repair of structural damage |
|
| PL | Applications in geosynthetics (geosynthetics, embankment reinforcement, diaphragm walls) |
|
| PL | Supervision of the execution |
|
| PL | Strengthening of timber structures |
|
| PL | Adaptation of the used facilities to new conditions of use |
|
Table 2.
Work areas, activities, skills, requirements, competences of architects/civil engineers in the context of FRP in construction (Poland) [6]
| Competence steps | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Area | Sub-Work-Area | Most import workactivities | Tools/methods for fulfilling the activity | Used technology (machines, computers, ICT) | Requirements for skilled work (laws, regulations, manufacturers’ concepts) | Beginner | Under Supervision | Expert |
| A | Expertise of structures requiring repairs | A1) interview with the user, A2) examination of documentation, A3) determination of the scope of inventory and research, A4) static and strength analysis, A5) selection of strengthening areas | A1 – keeping notes, interview report A2 – review of existing documents, if available electronic files A3 – dimensional and material inventory to the extent necessary A4 – static and strength analysis of the structure to the extent necessary, taking into account its current technical condition A5 – analysis of the results of the strength analyses | A2 – copier, camera, in case of electronic documentation computer with appropriate software (e.g. pdf reader) A3 – measures, laser rangefinders, geodesy, space scanners, NDT testing of concrete, core probes, pull-out, chemical testing of concrete (chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, nitrites) A4, A5 – computer with installed software for static and strength analyses | A2 – ability to read construction documentation A3 – ability to use measuring devices, knowledge on NDT testing of concrete A4, A5 – ability to use computer software for static and strength analyses, chartered structural engineer | Interview with the user, examination of documentation, determination of the scope of inventory and research, static and strength analysis, selection of strengthening areas | ||
| B | Design of FRP reinforcements | B1 - static analysis, B2 - selection of the reinforcement system, B3 - design, drawing | B1 – static and strength analysis of the structure including FRP reinforcement /strengthening system, B2 – matching the FRP strengthening system to the type of structure, B3 – preparation of technical drawings | B1 – computer with installed software for static analyses B2 – computer with installed software delivered by manufacturers of FRP systems, B3 – computer with installed CAD software | B1 – ability to use computer software for static analyses, B2 – knowledge about FRP strengthening technologies and their limitations, B3 – ability to use CAD software | Static analysis, design, drawing | Selection of the reinforcement system | |
| C | Repair of structural damage | C1 – securing the construction site, C2 – supervision of preparatory works, C3 – ensuring safety conditions, C4 – supervision of works | C1 – securing the construction site, preparatory works, scaffolding, C2 – supervision of following works: cleaning the application site, impregnation, levelling the surface C3 – supervision over compliance with safety requirements C4 – supervision of assembly performed in accordance with the technology of the manufacturer of the FRP reinforcement system, protection during the setting of the adhesive | C1 – assembly of scaffolding C2 – power tools, hand tools, sand-blasting, water blasting, abrasion, grinding shotcreting, mixers C4 – controlling technological regime (humidity and temperature measures), scales, mixers, strengthening press | C1 – license for scaffoldings C2 –specifications delivered by the manufacturer of FRP system C3 – chartered engineer C4 – specifications delivered by the manufacturer of FRP system | Supervision of preparatory works, supervision of works conditions, | Securing the construction site, ensuring safety, | |
| D | Adaptation of the used facilities to new conditions of use | D1 – examination of documentation, D2 – static and strength analysis, D3 – selection of strengthening areas | D1 – review of existing documents, if available electronic files D2 – static and strength analysis of the structure adapted to the specifics and requirements (e.g. conservation of monuments) | D1 – copier, camera, in case of electronic documentation computer with appropriate software D2, D3 – computer with installed appropriate software | D1 – historical knowledge on construction facilities D2 – ability to use computer software for static and strength analyses, chartered structural engineer D3 – knowledge about FRP strengthening technologies and their limitations | Static and strength analysis | Examination of documentation, selection of strengthening areas | |
| A | Production of composite reinforcement | A1 – knowledge of composite quality assessment criteria, A2 – use of pultrusion devices, A3 – bending of composite rebar, A4 – quality assessment | A1 – the use of international standards to assess the quality of FRP products (type of fibre, resin, tensile strength, young modulus, chemical stability – best are American and Canadian regulations) A2 – pultrusion of glass fibre rebars A3 – Teflon moulds A4 – testing the mechanical properties and chemical resistance of composites | A1 – laboratory tests - bar weighing, strength tests, chemical durability A2 – manufacturing of FRP profiles in the pultrusion process, used automated production line, curing oven furnace, cooling devices A3 – curing oven furnace, cooling devices A4 – laboratory press, electronic scale | A1 – in Poland, there are no clear criteria to assess the quality of a composite bar A2 – ability to handling and service of pultrusion devices, knowledge about dosing of fibre rowing according to required rebar diameter, choice of appropriate hardening and cooling temperature and technology A3 – knowledge about choice of appropriate hardening and cooling temperature and technology A4 – knowledge in the scope of technical approvals of the products (diameter, grammage, rib spacing and height) | Use of pultrusion devices, bending of composite rebar, quality assessment | Knowledge of composite quality assessment criteria | |
| B | The use of composites for concrete reinforcement (Combridge, Floors, Tram base, wall cladding) | B1 – optimisation of design solutions, B2 – numerical modelling, B3 – strength analysis, B4 – preparation of optional design, B5 – on-site training | B1–B3 – numerical modelling based of FEM B4 – preparation of structural drawings B5 – training on how to cut, how to unwind, what are the safety rules | B1–B3 – computer with installed software for structural FEM analyses B4 – computer with installed CAD software B5 – on-site employee training | B4 – Chartered engineer certified in the area of structural designing B5 – Representative of the manufacturer | Optimization of design solutions, numerical modelling, strength analysis, preparation of optional design, on-site training | ||
| C | Applications in geosynthetics (geosynthetics, embankment reinforcement, diaphragm walls) | C1 – optimization of design solutions, C2 – strength analysis, C3 – on-site training, C4 – monitoring (optical fibres) | C1 – Foundations for tram tracks without sand bedding, strengthening of embankments over piles C3 – Training on how to cut, how to unwind, what are the safety rules C4 – Fiber Bragg grating sensors embedded in the composite rebar | C1–C2 – computer with installed software for structural FEM analyses and CAD software C3 – on-site employee training C4 – Fiber Bragg grating sensors embedded in the composite rebar, optical interrogator | C2 – Chartered engineer certified in the area of structural designing C3 – Representative of the manufacturer C4 – Ability to use optical Fiber Bragg measurement systems | Optimization of design solutions, strength analysis, on-site training, monitoring (optical fibres) | ||
| A | Development of production technology | A1 – organizing of production process taking into account the specificity of the FRP material, A2 – mould making, A3 – strength and quality tests | A1 – power tools, hand tools, vacuum, scissors, brush, roller, fabric dispenser A2 – shaping three-dimensional moulds (in practice, in Poland, moulds are usually ordered from specialized manufacturers) A3 – testing material properties, quality check | A1 – adjusting the production process to material properties (types and characteristics of resins, fibre processing, types of fabrics, shape) A2 – modelling method, CNC machines (mills, lathers, cutters) A3 – laboratory press | A1 – experience in the production of composites - may be related to other industries, e.g. the yachting manufacture A2 – ability to use CNC machines A3- knowledge of material properties of FRP composites | Production process, mould making | Organizing of production process taking into account the specificity of the FRP material, strength and quality tests | |
| B | Design and prototyping | B1 – research on material properties, B2 – modes of destruction, B3 – FEM modelling, | B1 – testing material properties, B2, B3 – numerical calculations, use of advanced material models (orthogonal, non-linear) | B1 – laboratory press (universal testing instrumentation) B2, B3 – computer with installed FEM software (mechanical analyses) | B1 – knowledge about composites and their properties (orthogonal), failure characteristic B2 – it is important to know the design process B3 – ability to use FEM software, ability to interpret the results (currently there is no standardization regarding the shape of the elements, no specialized software) | Research on material properties, modes of destruction, FEM modelling | ||
| C | Supervision of the execution | C1 – training the contractor, C2 – control of compliance with the design, C3 – extending the technical knowledge | C1 – on-site training – including material properties, procedure (e.g. you cannot drill) C2 – on-site quality control, acceptance of replacement materials C3 – cooperation with designers, contractors, presentation of research results and the latest knowledge, the specificity of technical knowledge in the field of frp composites | C1 – knowledge about the properties of FRP composites and the procedure C2 – manufacturer recommendations, reading the project C3 – knowledge about the properties of FRP composites, manufacturer requirements | Control of compliance with the design | Training the contractor, extending the technical knowledge | ||
| A | Strengthening of bridges, strengthening of concrete structures | A1 – testing the properties of the substrate, A2 – selecting the appropriate adhesive, A3 – preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, A4 – selecting the proportions (mixing), A5 – hardening the resin (crosslinking time), A6 – maintaining cleanliness | A1 – visual inspection, NDT testing of concrete substrate, hammer, grinder A2 – determining the properties of the substrate and matching the appropriate adhesive A3 – bush hammering, sand blasting, grinding, brushing A4, A5 – scales, mixers, important protection against skin contact with the resin A6 – securing the place of application (covers) | A1 – pull-out A3 – mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning A4, A5 – mixing ingredients in the right proportions | A1 – knowledge of material properties and construction testing A2 – recommendations of adhesive manufacturers, generally competence of designer A3 – recommendations of the manufacturers of FRP systems A4, A5 – instructions of the manufacturers of FRP systems | Maintaining cleanliness | Preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, selecting the proportions (mixing), hardening the resin (crosslinking time), | Testing the properties of the substrate, selecting the appropriate adhesive |
| B | Strengthening of masonry structures | B1 – ensuring diffusivity (determination of thermal and humidity conditions), B2 – selecting the appropriate adhesive, B3 – preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, B4 – specificity for the substrate and the adhesive | B1, B2 – strengthening based on mineral adhesives (FRCM), analysis of diffusivity conditions B3 – grinding, brushing B4 – hand tools, power tools | B1 – determination of heat and humidity conditions (of particular importance for vaults) B2 – matching the type of adhesive to the substrate B3 – mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning B4 – grovving the masonry joints | B1 – enclosing moisture in the vault may worsen its technical condition B2 – use of FRCM systems, competence of designer B3 – recommendations of the manufacturers of strengthening systems | preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, specificity for the substrate and the adhesive | ensuring diffusivity (determination of thermal and humidity conditions), selecting the appropriate adhesive | |
| C | Strengthening of timber structures | C1 – selecting the appropriate adhesive, C2 – preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, C3 – specificity for the substrate and the adhesive C4 – fire resistance | C1 – determining the properties of the substrate and matching the appropriate adhesive C2 – grinding, removing free parts C4 – external covering, power tools | C2 – mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning C4 – NSM strengthening systems (Near Surface Mounted) | C1 – recommendations of adhesive manufacturers – adhesive viscosity, generally competence of designer C2, C3 – recommendations of the manufacturers of FRP systems, adhesive matched to the mechanical properties of the timber C4 – recommendation of the producer of FRP system | Preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, specificity for the substrate and the adhesive | Selecting the appropriate adhesive, fire resistance | |
Table 3.
Cross-national Professional Profile Map (for all project partner countries – EL, ES, PL, SI) [6]
| Professional Profile Map on the use of FRP for Construction Workers and Architects/Civil Engineers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Area | Target group | Sub-Work-Area | Competence Steps | ||
| C (Construction Worker) A (Architect/Civil Engineer) Worker) | 1 / Beginner | 2 / Under Supervision | 3 / Expert | ||
| 1. Understand and specify FRP materials | C + A | 1.1. General understanding of FRP in the construction sector | 1.1.a Have basic knowledge about FRP products in the construction sector (e.g., general overview of products). | 1.1.b Have good knowledge about FRP products in the construction sector (e.g., how FRP products are produced). | 1.1.c Have expert knowledge about FRP products in the construction sector (e.g., criteria for their selection). |
| C + A | 1.2 Knowledge of different manufacturing processes of FRP products for the construction sector | 1.2.a Have basic knowledge of the manufacturing processes of FRP products (e.g., knowing general processes, hand lay-up, infusion, pultrusion, RTM, vacuum bag etc.). | 1.2.b Have good knowledge of manufacturing processes of FRP products (e.g. basic steps of the general process of FRP products). | 1.2.c Have expert knowledge of manufacturing processes of FRP products (e.g. apply and make infusion, hand lay-up and vacuum bag…). | |
| C + A | 1.3. Specification of FRP types and materials | 1.3.a Have basic knowledge about different FRP materials (e.g., basic limitations, constraints and use conditions). | 1.3.b Have good knowledge about different kinds of FRP materials (e.g., good knowledge about limitations, constraints and use condition, different kinds of resins, fibres and fungibles needed for obtaining composites). | 1.3.c Have expert knowledge about different kinds of FRP materials (e.g., expert knowledge about limitations, constraints and use conditions) | |
| A | 1.4. Search for and acquisition of FRP products | 1.4.a Search for and order FRP materials/elements under supervision (e.g. basic search criteria with the main material search engines). | 1.4.b Search for and order FRP materials/elements independently (e.g. first steps to select materials or products by properties, etc.). | 1.4.c Supervise the searching and ordering of FRP materials/elements (e.g. supervising, purchase knowledge on the selection of the best options for products and materials). | |
| 2. Apply FRP materials | A | 2.1 Read and understand technical FRP sheets | 2.1.a Understand technical drawings on the use of FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | 2.1.b Compare technical data sheets. | 2.1.c Modify/adapt technical drawings and the use of FRP materials/elements according to circumstances for specifications in the construction work. |
| C + A | 2.2 Apply FRP materials/elements in the daily work process (e.g., facades, bridges, floors) | 2.2.a Apply FRP materials/elements and work tools for basic products (e.g., pipes, anchors…). | 2.2.b Apply FRP materials/elements and work tools for medium level products (e.g., pools, pultrusion products). | 2.2.c Apply FRP materials/elements and work tools for high level products (e.g., structures, beams, columns, bridges.). | |
| 3. Plan and design the application of FRP materials/elements | A | 3.1 Design construction elements with FRP | 3.1.a Design construction elements with FRP under supervision (e.g., by using computer software …). | 3.1.b Design construction elements with FRP independently. | 3.1.c Supervise the design of construction elements with FRP (e.g. …). |
| A | 3.2 Plan and calculate the use of FRP materials/elements | 3.2.a Plan and calculate the application of FRP materials/elements under supervision (e.g., …). | 3.2.b Plan and calculate the application of FRP materials/elements independently. | 3.2.c Supervise the planning and calculation of the application of FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | |
| 4. Handling of used FRP materials/elements | C + A | 4.1 Assemble FRP materials/elements | 4.1.a Have basic skills for assembling FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | 4.1.b. Have intermediate and supervision skills for assembling FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | 4.1.c. Select and design for assembling FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). |
| C + A | 4.2 Repair of damaged FRP materials/elements and structural damage | 4.2.a. Execute steps of repairing damaged FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | 4.2.b. Supervise the repairing of damaged FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | 4.2.c. Design and select criteria for repairing damaged FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | |
| 5. Quality Assurance | C + A | 5.1 Control FRP materials/elements | 5.1.a Do a basic check of received FRP materials/elements in a building process (e.g., …). | 5.1.b Supervise the inspection of the quality of FRP materials/elements and take decisions (e.g., …). | |
| 6. Work Safety and (legal) requirements | C + A | 6.1 Application of all safety regulations/requirements when working with FRP materials/elements | 6.1.a Apply and follow all safety regulations/requirements when working with FRP (e.g., …). | 6.1.b Supervise the application of all safety regulations/requirements when working with FRP (e.g., …) | |
| 7.Environment al factors and the Circular Economy | C + A | 7.1 Application of environmental requirements/regulation s when using and designing FRP materials/elements | 7.1.a Apply all environmental requirements/regulations when using FRP materials/elements under supervision (e.g., …). | 7.1.b Design and supervise the application of all environmental requirements/regulations when using FRP materials/elements (e.g., …). | |
| A | 7.2 Application of environmental requirements/regulation s for the design of construction elements with FRP | 7.2.a. Apply all environmental requirements/regulations for the design of construction elements with FRP under supervision (e.g., …). | 7.2.c Supervise the application of all environmental requirements/regulations for the design of construction elements with FRP (e.g., …). | ||
| 8. Documentation of data and work processes | C + A | 8.1 Documentation of data and work processes | 8.1.a Document all data and work processes (e.g., …). | 8.1.b Supervise all data and work processes. | 8.1.c Define the documentation of all data and work processes (e.g., …). |