During a hurricane, most construction damage caused by high winds occurr at the joints. A significant reduction in wind damage from hurricanes can be achieved if buildings are to be constructed with new materials being developed at the University of Maine. This new technology using fiber-reinforced polymer strengthens the roof and wall joints of a building, increasing the structure's ability to withstand high winds by 50-100%.
The center recently obtained patents on two products that can make buildings less vulnerable to the destruction wreaked by hurricanes. One is a building panel into which a layer of composite is inserted. The reinforced layer, which is as strong as steel, works to prevent nails from being ripped out, thus securing the joints and helping to keep the building together. The other patented product is made up of a strip of composite applied to the panel joints of a roof. The strip bonds to the joints like putting duct tape over the panels to keep the roof together. A structure currently designed to withstand winds of 200 km/hour should be able to sustain winds of 270 km/hour with this new reinforced product. The technology will be made available, upon completion of research.

A new highway in Wisconsin state of USA has been constructed using prefabricated FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer) grid system, instead of the conventional steel bar grid. Generally, the steel bar grids used are prone to corrosion after some time. Their life gets shortened. The new concept would provide a longer life to bridges because the FRP grids do not corrode at all. The prefabrication of FRP grids allow ready-pour of concrete, saving construction time. The cost of building this first FRP grid bridge, higher than that of a traditional bridge, is expected to reduce with wide usage of the new system.