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FRP Smart Composite Pipe System

Overview

Fast Facts

Project No. 126
Contract No. DTRS57-03-C-10007
Research Award Recipient Structure Design and Rehabilitation, Inc.
AOTR Empty Value
Researcher Contact Info SDR Engineering Consultants, Inc. Tallahasee, FL Ph: 850-222-2737 Fax: 850-386-9197

Financial and Status Data

Project Status Closed
Start Fiscal Year 2003 (10/01/2002)
End Fiscal Year 2003 (09/30/2003)
PHMSA $$ Budgeted $0.00

Main Objective

This research project resulted in the development of an innovative SMART pipe system comprised of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) and a new generation of innovative filler materials. The new pipe system can be equipped with wireless sensors to provide mentoring capabilities during operation.

Public Abstract

This research project resulted in the development of an innovative SMART pipe system comprised of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) and a new generation of innovative filler materials. The new pipe system can be equipped with wireless sensors to provide mentoring capabilities during operation.

A series of tasks were carried out as part of this project to develop the needed concepts. First, a thorough literature survey was conducted to identify limitations of existing pipeline technology. Two types of numerical studies were then conducted to investigate various methods for monitoring of pipes and optimization of design. Finally, a series of experiments were carried out to evaluate and characterize the performance and properties of the new system.

The proposed system is suitable for new or replacement of existing gas and oil pipes and presents several key advantages over existing technology. It could also be customized for drainage, sewer and water delivery systems. The resulting pipe system has great strength, stiffness, rigidity and durability insuring superior performance and long service life.

The system is cost competitive and has significant performance advantages over traditional pipeline systems. The developed product opens the door for developing a 'smart' pipeline by utilizing wireless communication for remote monitoring capability that can ensure timely maintenance, repair, and security monitoring.