scope:

INTRODUCTION

One of the major obstacles preventing the wide use of fi ber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in structural applications is the absence of relevant unifi ed design standards. An FRP composite-related design standard, supported by national consensus, is essential to encourage the acceptance and use of such composites by practicing engineers in construction. In the United States, the Construction Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has recognized the urgent need to establish unifi ed design standards for the emerging FRP construction materials. Therefore, in 1995, ASCE and the Pultrusion Industry Council (PIC) initiated a joint multiphased project to produce the standard document for the design of pultruded fi ber-reinforced polymer (PFRP) composite structures. The fi rst phase of this project was completed in 1996. Similar efforts have been initiated in Japan, Canada, and Europe. This document represents the most current effort to support the design and fabrication community. As an historical note, the "old" PIC existed for many years as part of the Composites Institute of the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI). In 1998, the Composites Institute left the SPI and merged with the Composite Fabricators Association (CFA). Under the tutelage of the CFA, the PIC was reestablished in 1999 with new bylaws and a new focus on initiatives. In October 2003, the CFA reorganized and changed its name to the American Composite Manufacturers Association (ACMA).