This paper is a review of the development and use of fibre reinforced polymer composites in civil and building structures. It draws from information and knowledge gained by the author through the study tour financed by IStructE’s Rowen Award conducted between 7 July and 25 August 2001. The study tour involved a 7-week around the world trip meeting up with designers, manufacturers, contractors, academia, and government agencies, who have expertise in this emerging field. Countries visited were Japan, UK, Switzerland, Denmark, Canada, and US where research and development in fibre reinforced polymer composites excel. The review is purely the author’s views and reflects upon what she learnt from the study tour. Sulojana Shanmuganathan, BSc, MSc, PhD, CEng, MICE, MIPENZ Senior Structural Engineer, Opus International Consultants, Auckland, New Zealand