An FRP durability study: Mechanical testing of panels from the Severn Crossing Visitors' Centre

Presented are the findings of a lab-based study undertaken on pultruded GFRP building panels and coupons taken there from. Sourced at demolition of the Second Severn Crossing Visitors' Centre building, these panels offer the rare opportunity to assess the characteristics of naturally aged composite material. Mechanical properties have been determined and compared to the properties of new, equivalent sample material. By contrasting the properties as found for panels on each of four external walls, factors concerning environmental exposure, and factors relating to original fabrication condition have been investigated. Results indicate that regardless of the exposure conditions, in 17 years the mechanical material properties have not significantly diminished, despite aesthetic quality suffering due to lack of maintenance. Pertinently, it has been shown too that quality control at fabrication imparts a significant impact on longevity of the panel properties; panels not provided with surface veils exhibited reduced performance in certain tests concerning shear and tensile modulus for external material.