Application and performance of composite materials

External strengthening with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) fabrics is an effective technique for improving the structural performance and life span of the existing reinforced concrete structures. FRP composite materials has been attracted by many researchers because their advantageous characteristics such as high strength to weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, light-weight, nonconductive, and resistance to chemicals. Moreover, there are several advantages such as ease of bonding to any irregular and curved surfaces, easy to install on site without any special equipments and less time consumption. In this paper FRP composite materials, history about their appearance, properties of their material and components has been studied. In addition, various forms of using of this materials in the building has been explained and unique features of them in strengthening and retrofitting has been investigated. Finally various modes of failure about arming with polymer composites and their mechanisms are discussed and ways to prevent this type of breakdown is proposed.