Acceptance Level and Perceived Risks of FRP Reinforced Systems in the Construction Industry: Practitioner Engineer Opinions

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced systems offer significant innovation potential in structural engineering, offering advantages such as high strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance as an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement. However, practicing engineers' perceptions, acceptance levels, and operational risk assessments regarding these systems directly impact the rate of technology's dissemination. This study examines the attitudes, perceived risk factors, and adoption barriers of practicing engineers in the Turkish construction sector toward FRP reinforced systems from a multidimensional perspective.

The research is based on online survey data collected from 217 engineering firms using quantitative data collection. The measurement tool is based on three key variables: perceived technical suitability, economic viability, and perceived reliability risk. The data were evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and factor analysis techniques. The findings indicate that FRP systems have achieved technical acceptance among engineers, but there is a significant lack of confidence in their cost, maintenance, and long-term performance. Sixty-two percent of respondents identified a lack of field training in FRP applications as the primary obstacle, while 54% cited the lack of domestic standards and regulations as a significant risk factor.

The study's results reveal that not only technological but also psychological and institutional adaptation processes play a critical role in integrating FRP-reinforced systems into the construction industry. In this context, training programs to raise engineer awareness, incentive models based on cost-benefit analysis, and standardized application guidelines are recommended. The study provides original field data to understand the role of FRP in Turkey's sustainable building material transformation.