GangaRao publishes textbook on fiber-reinforced polymer composite structures

Hota GangaRao publishes “FRP Composite Structures: Theory, Fundamentals, and Design” (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites like carbon fiber and fiberglass are opening new design opportunities for engineers. FRP composites will replace many traditional materials like steel and aluminum in the coming years, according to Hota GangaRao, Maurice A. and JoAnn Wadsworth Distinguished Professor in the Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of the Constructed Facilities Center.

Story by Adrianne Uphold, Graduate Assistant

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

GangaRao recently published a textbook on the advancement of FRP compositive structures. “FRP Composite Structures: Theory, Fundamentals, and Design” brings clarity to the analysis and design of these FRP composite structural systems to advance the field implementation of structural systems with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance costs. 
 
“Polymer composite applications are growing in civil and military infrastructure systems due to their lighter weight, higher strength than steel, corrosion resistance and cost effectiveness. Many large-scale structural systems are currently implementing FRP composites as stand-alone systems or as hybrids,” GangaRao said. 
 
Aimed at advancing undergraduate, graduate students and industry professionals focused on the analysis and design of FRP composite structural members, “FRP Composite Structures” develops simplified mathematical models representing the behavior of beams and plates under static loads. 
 
The textbook ensures readers fully understand the basic mechanics of composite materials, explores practical and novel infrastructure designs and implementations, uses contemporary codes, includes FRP case studies from around the world, and details several advanced topics like the aging of FRPs, typical failures of structures and design simplifications without loss of accuracy and emphasis on failure modes.  
 
“Many of the fundamental topics that are dealt with in this book will be used by students and practicing engineers so that application pools can grow and provide challenging futuristic research and development issues to deal with,” GangaRao said.  
 
The textbook supports the advanced research conducted at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. From overseeing ongoing projects using FRP composites at the Constructed Facilities Center, to building new bridge structures across West Virginia and the country, “FRP Composite Structures” acts as a backbone for fundamental understanding and designing these systems.  
 
GangaRao co-authored “FRP Composite Structures” alongside Woraphot Prachasaree, professor of civil engineering at the Prince of Songkla University, located in Songkhla,Thailand.  

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