This is a proposal to develop a lightweight, adjustable, maintenance-free as well as economical structural system for use in the construction industry. Currently, the cost of maintaining and rehabilitating the Nation's infrastructure is very expensive, therefore it is very important to use structural components which are durable, easily modified and lightweight. E.T. Techtonics proposes to solve this problem by using a prestressed structural system of kevlar 49 and E-glass polyester resin. These materials have excellent corrosion resistance as well as being lightweight.The design of the system emphasizes the light-weight and adjustable stiffness characteristics obtained by using prestressing. The objectives of the research will focus on the time-dependent characteristics of the beam elements of the proposed system and the feasibility of developing a computer model which can predict the behavior of these elements. The Phase I effort will involve an in-vestgation into three major areas: materials, geometry, and construction. The time-dependent studies will involve full-scale testing of the proposed beam elements at the Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) under Dr. John W. Fisher, Director, at Lehigh University.Commercial Applications:Potential commercial applications include the construction of light and heavy industrial facilities, docks, bridges, military construction in inaccessible regions requiring lightweight construction, temporary structures, radio and TV antennas, electrical transmission towers, off-shore drilling platforms.
