The documents were developed by the ACI 440 technical committee, which develops and reports information on FRP for internal and external reinforcement of concrete. One of its members is the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA).

“With the publication of materials and construction specifications in mandatory language, ACI 440 has provided engineers and contractors with reference documents that save them an inordinate amount of time and, more importantly, give them the tools for safe and quality implementation of FRP as internal reinforcement to concrete,” says Dr Antonio Nanni, Professor and Chair of the University of Miami’s Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering.

The publications are:

• ACI 440.2R-08: Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures. This offers general information on the history and use of FRP strengthening systems and describes the unique material properties of FRP. It gives recommendations on the engineering, construction, and inspection of FRP systems used to strengthen concrete structures.
• ACI 440.5-08: Specifications for Construction with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Reinforcing Bars. This is a reference specification document which can be applied to “any” construction project using FRP reinforcing bars.
• ACI 440.6-08: Specification for Carbon and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bar Materials for Concrete Reinforcement. This material specification covers provisions governing testing, evaluation and acceptance of carbon and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GRP) bars used for concrete reinforcement.