In a project that is funded by the Research Council of Norway, scientists have established that using composites that have desirable features such as light weight, long lifetime and excellent strength can be used in construction of structures to make them more stronger.
Composites which are combinations of different materials are designed in such a manner that they utilise the advantages of each material present in the combination. The composite materials present today are much more advanced than older ones in terms of strength, weight and lifetime of the material. However, it is important to combine the materials in the proper dimensions.
The team from the Research Council of Norway carried out a project titled “Safe, cost-effective basis for dimensioning and qualifying composite structures” where the focus was to create a database for using standard materials in the composite industry. The team used an all inclusive testing programme to test the compression, stretching and bending characteristics of different materials and test their endurance levels. This resulted in the formulation of standardised methodologies to calculate the strength and other properties of any structure. Documentation of standard materials and the methods of formulating them will help small scale industries to gain access to information on how to combine materials and also result in the development of new products. Overall, it will increase the competitiveness of the composite material market in Norway. Since everything is documented, it will also ensure safety and reliability.