Braiding applications for civil infrastructure

Braided composites offer numerous advantages as components of large civil s tructures. Often viewed as an expensive, complex manufacturing method reser ved for aerospace components, braiding is already entering the civil struct ures market in several areas including light poles and automobile component s. As fiber composites continue to achieve wider acceptance in this market, the advantages of braiding automated processing, optimal use of more expen sive fibers in hybrid structures, and minimum scrap rates for these fibers, will be exploited. Given the potential for this progression, it is importa nt to evaluate the options for braided fabrication and consider the advanta ges offered by the innovative machinery now available.