1. Applied Research of Australia
FRP Bolts – Manufacturing & Performance
November 2011

2. Agenda
AROA – An Introduction
Our Research Programme & Findings

3. AROA – An Introduction
Established as a research company in 1964 in South Australia
Founded with support of Australian Government and the Department of Defense
Key highlight – invented the technology that supports colour photocopiers and technology sold in mid-70s
Early-80s AROA commenced research into composite materials and associated technology.
Started to refine research into FRP reinforcement initially and then expanded into ground anchors.
AROA Developed the first fully molded one piece three dimensional dowel – installed by hand held machinery.

4. Our Research Programme
Ground Support Solutions
Potential Products
Manufacturing Process
Materials

5. Key Issues from Research
Material
Fibre Type
Resin Composition
Manufacturing Process
Pultrusion of FRP Bolts
Other Processes?
Product
Shear Strength
Torsion/Torque
Gloving & Encapsulation
Thread Strength
Research found that the key relationship was between the manufacturing process and the end product – materials could be adjusted to suit.

6. Research into Manufacturing
Stage 1
Pultrude Solid Bar
Stage 2
Surface Treat Solid Bar
Cutting & Packing
Cut to Size and Pack
Pultrusion Process
Fibre Configurations
AROA Process
Stage 1
Produce Finished Product
Cutting & Packing
Cut to Size and Pack

7. Product Research
Finding the balance between tensile strength, torque and thread strength

8. The Gloving Challenge
Having found the balance between tensile strength, torque and thread strength the challenge for the research programme was to address the common problem with FRP bolts of gloving.
This research programme was conducted from

9. Manufacturing Process
Summary
Material
Fibre Type
Resin Composition
Manufacturing Process
Pultrusion of FRP Bolts
Alternative Process – The Aroa Process
Product
Shear Strength
Torsion/Torque
Gloving & Encapsulation
Thread Strength

10. Distributors

11. Questions
Matt Boot, Managing Director