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Work areas, activities, skills, requirements, competences of architects/civil engineers in the context of FRP in construction (Poland) [6]

Competence steps
Work AreaSub-Work-AreaMost import workactivitiesTools/methods for fulfilling the activityUsed technology (machines, computers, ICT)Requirements for skilled work (laws, regulations, manufacturers’ concepts)BeginnerUnder SupervisionExpert
AExpertise of structures requiring repairsA1) 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 areasA1 – keeping notes, interview reportA2 – review of existing documents, if available electronic filesA3 – dimensional and material inventory to the extent necessaryA4 – static and strength analysis of the structure to the extent necessary, taking into account its current technical conditionA5 – analysis of the results of the strength analysesA2 – 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 analysesA2 – ability to read construction documentationA3 – ability to use measuring devices, knowledge on NDT testing of concreteA4, 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
BDesign of FRP reinforcementsB1 - static analysis,B2 - selection of the reinforcement system,B3 - design, drawingB1 – 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 drawingsB1 – computer with installed software for static analysesB2 – computer with installed software delivered by manufacturers of FRP systems,B3 – computer with installed CAD softwareB1 – 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, drawingSelection of the reinforcement system
CRepair of structural damageC1 – securing the construction site,C2 – supervision of preparatory works,C3 – ensuring safety conditions,C4 – supervision of worksC1 – securing the construction site, preparatory works, scaffolding,C2 – supervision of following works: cleaning the application site, impregnation, levelling the surfaceC3 – supervision over compliance with safety requirementsC4 – supervision of assembly performed in accordance with the technology of the manufacturer of the FRP reinforcement system, protection during the setting of the adhesiveC1 – assembly of scaffoldingC2 – power tools, hand tools, sand-blasting, water blasting, abrasion, grinding shotcreting, mixersC4 – controlling technological regime (humidity and temperature measures), scales, mixers, strengthening pressC1 – license for scaffoldingsC2 –specifications delivered by the manufacturer of FRP systemC3 – chartered engineerC4 – specifications delivered by the manufacturer of FRP system Supervision of preparatory works, supervision of works conditions,Securing the construction site, ensuring safety,
DAdaptation of the used facilities to new conditions of useD1 – examination of documentation,D2 – static and strength analysis,D3 – selection of strengthening areasD1 – review of existing documents, if available electronic filesD2 – 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 softwareD2, D3 – computer with installed appropriate softwareD1 – historical knowledge on construction facilitiesD2 – ability to use computer software for static and strength analyses, chartered structural engineerD3 – knowledge about FRP strengthening technologies and their limitations Static and strength analysisExamination of documentation, selection of strengthening areas
AProduction of composite reinforcementA1 – knowledge of composite quality assessment criteria,A2 – use of pultrusion devices,A3 – bending of composite rebar,A4 – quality assessmentA1 – 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 rebarsA3 – Teflon mouldsA4 – testing the mechanical properties and chemical resistance of compositesA1 – laboratory tests - bar weighing, strength tests, chemical durabilityA2 – manufacturing of FRP profiles in the pultrusion process, used automated production line, curing oven furnace, cooling devicesA3 – curing oven furnace, cooling devicesA4 – laboratory press, electronic scaleA1 – in Poland, there are no clear criteria to assess the quality of a composite barA2 – 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 technologyA3 – knowledge about choice of appropriate hardening and cooling temperature and technologyA4 – 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 assessmentKnowledge of composite quality assessment criteria
BThe 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 trainingB1–B3 – numerical modelling based of FEMB4 – preparation of structural drawingsB5 – training on how to cut, how to unwind, what are the safety rulesB1–B3 – computer with installed software for structural FEM analysesB4 – computer with installed CAD softwareB5 – on-site employee trainingB4 – Chartered engineer certified in the area of structural designingB5 – Representative of the manufacturer Optimization of design solutions, numerical modelling, strength analysis, preparation of optional design, on-site training
CApplications 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 pilesC3 – Training on how to cut, how to unwind, what are the safety rulesC4 – Fiber Bragg grating sensors embedded in the composite rebarC1–C2 – computer with installed software for structural FEM analyses and CAD softwareC3 – on-site employee trainingC4 – Fiber Bragg grating sensors embedded in the composite rebar, optical interrogatorC2 – Chartered engineer certified in the area of structural designingC3 – Representative of the manufacturerC4 – Ability to use optical Fiber Bragg measurement systems Optimization of design solutions, strength analysis, on-site training, monitoring (optical fibres)
ADevelopment of production technologyA1 – organizing of production process taking into account the specificity of the FRP material,A2 – mould making,A3 – strength and quality testsA1 – power tools, hand tools, vacuum, scissors, brush, roller, fabric dispenserA2 – shaping three-dimensional moulds (in practice, in Poland, moulds are usually ordered from specialized manufacturers)A3 – testing material properties, quality checkA1 – 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 pressA1 – experience in the production of composites - may be related to other industries, e.g. the yachting manufactureA2 – ability to use CNC machinesA3- knowledge of material properties of FRP composites Production process, mould makingOrganizing of production process taking into account the specificity of the FRP material, strength and quality tests
BDesign and prototypingB1 – 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 characteristicB2 – it is important to know the design processB3 – 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
CSupervision of the executionC1 – training the contractor,C2 – control of compliance with the design,C3 – extending the technical knowledgeC1 – on-site training – including material properties, procedure (e.g. you cannot drill)C2 – on-site quality control, acceptance of replacement materialsC3 – 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 procedureC2 – manufacturer recommendations, reading the projectC3 – knowledge about the properties of FRP composites, manufacturer requirements Control of compliance with the designTraining the contractor, extending the technical knowledge
AStrengthening of bridges, strengthening of concrete structuresA1 – 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 cleanlinessA1 – visual inspection, NDT testing of concrete substrate, hammer, grinderA2 – determining the properties of the substrate and matching the appropriate adhesiveA3 – bush hammering, sand blasting, grinding, brushingA4, A5 – scales, mixers, important protection against skin contact with the resinA6 – securing the place of application (covers)A1 – pull-outA3 – mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaningA4, A5 – mixing ingredients in the right proportionsA1 – knowledge of material properties and construction testingA2 – recommendations of adhesive manufacturers, generally competence of designerA3 – recommendations of the manufacturers of FRP systemsA4, A5 – instructions of the manufacturers of FRP systemsMaintaining cleanlinessPreparing the substrate and strengthening elements, selecting the proportions (mixing), hardening the resin (crosslinking time),Testing the properties of the substrate, selecting the appropriate adhesive
BStrengthening of masonry structuresB1 – 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 adhesiveB1, B2 – strengthening based on mineral adhesives (FRCM), analysis of diffusivity conditionsB3 – grinding, brushingB4 – hand tools, power toolsB1 – determination of heat and humidity conditions (of particular importance for vaults)B2 – matching the type of adhesive to the substrateB3 – mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaningB4 – grovving the masonry jointsB1 – enclosing moisture in the vault may worsen its technical conditionB2 – use of FRCM systems, competence of designerB3 – recommendations of the manufacturers of strengthening systems preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, specificity for the substrate and the adhesiveensuring diffusivity (determination of thermal and humidity conditions), selecting the appropriate adhesive
CStrengthening of timber structuresC1 – selecting the appropriate adhesive,C2 – preparing the substrate and strengthening elements,C3 – specificity for the substrate and the adhesiveC4 – fire resistanceC1 – determining the properties of the substrate and matching the appropriate adhesiveC2 – grinding, removing free partsC4 – external covering, power toolsC2 – mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaningC4 – NSM strengthening systems (Near Surface Mounted)C1 – recommendations of adhesive manufacturers – adhesive viscosity, generally competence of designerC2, C3 – recommendations of the manufacturers of FRP systems, adhesive matched to the mechanical properties of the timberC4 – recommendation of the producer of FRP system Preparing the substrate and strengthening elements, specificity for the substrate and the adhesiveSelecting the appropriate adhesive, fire resistance

Work areas and activities of architects/civil engineers in the context of FRP in construction

CountryWork areaMain work activities in the work area
PLExpertise of structures requiring repairs
  • interview with the user

  • examination of documentation

  • determination of the scope of inventory and research

  • static and strength analysis

  • selection of strengthening areas

PLProduction of composite reinforcement
  • knowledge of composite quality assessment criteria

  • use of pultrusion devices

  • bending of composite rebar

  • quality assessment

PLDevelopment of production technology
  • organizing of production process considering the specificity of the FRP material

  • mould making

  • strength and quality tests

PLStrengthening of bridges, strengthening of concrete structures
  • testing the properties of the substrate

  • selecting the appropriate adhesive

  • preparing the substrate and strengthening elements

  • selecting the proportions (mixing)

  • hardening the resin (cross-linking time)

  • maintaining cleanliness

PLDesign of FRP reinforcements
  • static analysis

  • selection of the reinforcement system

  • design, drawing

PLThe use of composites for concrete reinforcement (Combridge, Floors, Tram base, wall cladding
  • optimization of design solutions

  • numerical modelling

  • strength analysis

  • preparation of optional design

  • on-site training

PLDesign and prototyping
  • research on material properties

  • modes of destruction

  • FEM modelling

PLStrengthening of masonry structures
  • ensuring diffusivity (determination of thermal and humidity conditions)

  • selecting the appropriate adhesive

  • preparing the substrate and strengthening elements

  • specificity for the substrate and the adhesive

PLRepair of structural damage
  • securing the construction site

  • supervision of preparatory works

  • ensuring safety conditions

  • supervision of works

PLApplications in geosynthetics (geosynthetics, embankment reinforcement, diaphragm walls)
  • optimization of design solutions

  • strength analysis

  • on-site training

  • monitoring (optical fibres)

PLSupervision of the execution
  • training the contractor

  • control of compliance with the design

  • extending the technical knowledge

PLStrengthening of timber structures
  • selecting the appropriate adhesive

  • preparing the substrate and strengthening elements

  • specificity for the substrate and the adhesive

  • fire resistance

PLAdaptation of the used facilities to new conditions of use
  • examination of documentation

  • static and strength analysis

  • selection of strengthening areas

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 AreaTarget groupSub-Work-AreaCompetence Steps
C (Construction Worker) A (Architect/Civil Engineer) Worker) 1 / Beginner2 / Under Supervision3 / Expert
1. Understand and specify FRP materialsC + A1.1. General understanding of FRP in the construction sector1.1.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 + A1.2 Knowledge of different manufacturing processes of FRP products for the construction sector1.2.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 + A1.3. Specification of FRP types and materials1.3.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)
A1.4. Search for and acquisition of FRP products1.4.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 materialsA2.1 Read and understand technical FRP sheets2.1.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 + A2.2 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/elementsA3.1 Design construction elements with FRP3.1.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. …).
A3.2 Plan and calculate the use of FRP materials/elements3.2.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/elementsC + A4.1 Assemble FRP materials/elements4.1.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 + A4.2 Repair of damaged FRP materials/elements and structural damage4.2.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 AssuranceC + A5.1 Control FRP materials/elements5.1.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) requirementsC + A6.1 Application of all safety regulations/requirements when working with FRP materials/elements6.1.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 EconomyC + A7.1 Application of environmental requirements/regulation s when using and designing FRP materials/elements7.1.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., …).
A7.2 Application of environmental requirements/regulation s for the design of construction elements with FRP7.2.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 processesC + A8.1 Documentation of data and work processes8.1.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., …).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acee-2023-0034 | Journal eISSN: 2720-6947 | Journal ISSN: 1899-0142
Language: English
Page range: 65 - 76
Submitted on: May 24, 2023
Accepted on: Aug 2, 2023
Published on: Oct 20, 2023
Published by: Silesian University of Technology
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

© 2023 Szymon Dawczyński, Rafał Krzywoń, Sigrid Mannsberger-Nindl, Sabine Schwenk, Arsenio Navarro, Serafin Garcia, Lorena Hernandez, María Lladró, Isabel María Balufo, Valentina Kuzma, Andreja Palatinus, Eleni Damianou, Paraskevi Angelakopoulou, published by Silesian University of Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.