The construction and infrastructure sector has now become the largest application segment for composite materials in Europe and has surpassed the transportation sector in terms of the quantities used. Above all, there remains significant untapped potential here for components made of fiber-reinforced plastics. In particular, there are numerous innovative applications in the construction sector for which composites have not yet been considered, but for which they are well-suited due to their material properties. To this end, our industry must highlight the relevant opportunities and convince users of the components’ performance capabilities. This is also the aim of the current Composites Report, which, in this 13th edition, focuses on applications in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
In the following three articles, you can learn more about the possibilities and potential of composite reinforcement. A braided composite shell for heavy-load structural systems will also be presented. Exterior facades represent another market of the future, and newly developed, state-of-the-art, and adaptable facade elements will be presented. Given the importance of standardization—particularly in the construction sector—one article focuses on DIN 35255, which defines comprehensive quality requirements for composites processes.
In these economically challenging times for European industry as a whole—and for German industry in particular—it is important to focus not only on measures to improve efficiency but also on the innovation potential offered by composite products.
This Composites Report is intended to support these efforts.
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