Replacement FRP Composite Bridge decks
/ Martin Richardson / CD368, CD368, Composite, Composites UK, CUR96, CUR96, Footbridge, FRP Composites, FRP Composites
Bridge decks often require repairs and eventually replacement during the service life of a bridge. These can be steel, concrete or timber decks for pedestrian and vehicle access. At Lifespan we can design, supply, and if required install, lightweight FRP composite decks which can reduce the deck dead load by 50%. These decks reduce the environmental impact in terms of carbon and energy embodiment. They are also quicker and safer to install compared to traditional materials. The decks are delivered complete with surfacing and ready for installation onsite.
Lifespan Structures - Design Service
/ Martin Richardson / CD368, CD368, Composite, Composites UK, CUR96, CUR96, FRP Composites, Pedestrian, Timber Footbridge
Information on the design of FRP footbridges has developed quickly over the last few years, with the new version of the DMRB which included the publication of CD368 - Design of fibre reinforced polymer bridges and highway structures, and the updates to recommendations in Europe such as CROW-CUR recommendation 96-2019 Fibre-reinforced polymers in buildings and civil engineering structures (CUR96)
Whilst CD368 is now very much in line with CUR96, there are still some fundamental differences between the 2 documents.
Composite Bridges - A comparison between moulded and pultruded bridges.
/ Martin Richardson / CD368, Composite, Composite, CUR96, FRP Composites, FRP Composites, Lightweight, Pedestrian, Timber Footbridge
We have published a technical paper to help clients and specifiers understand the significant differences in terms of installation, performance and long term maintenance of the different types of FRP bridge solutions that are available. There are two generic types of FRP composite bridges and they have quite different performance characteristics and maintenance requirements, so it is important for clients to understand the differences at the procurement stage. Moulded bridge decks are generally manufactured in a mould with dry fibres laid in specific orientations with a core material to produce a sandwich construction.
FRP Composites provide a sustainable solution
/ Martin Richardson / BD90/05, BD90/05, Composite, Composite, CUR96, Footbridge, Footbridge, FRP Composites, FRP Composites, Pedestrian, Pedestrian
The construction industry is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities. The Construction 2025 joint strategy from the UK Government and industry, working in partnership, sets a vision, which includes 50% lower emissions, 33% lower costs and 50% faster delivery. Using FRP composites in place of steel and concrete for bridge construction will deliver this vision now. The carbon and energy embodiment is significantly reduced at the construction stage and still further during the 100-year minimum service life.
Hounsden Gutter Project Completed
/ Martin Richardson / BD90/05, BD90/05, Carbon Fibre, Composite, Composite, CUR96, CUR96, Cycleway, Footbridge, Footbridge, FRP Composites, FRP Composites, Pedestrian, Timber Footbridge, Uncategorized
The existing skewed reinforced concrete footbridge had come to the end of it life, so an FRP Replacement was selected to provide reduced maintenance in the tree enclosed environment over the Gutter. Following completion of new abutments and associated retaining walls, the lightweight, preformed, replacement allowed fast and simple installation on site using a lorry mounted crane, to both transport and lift the bridge into place. The colour scheme was selected to match the clients requirements.
Lightweight Cycleway Bridge Delivered
/ Martin Richardson / BD90/05, BD90/05, Composite, Composites UK, Cycleway, Fibercore, Footbridge, Footbridge, FRP Composites, FRP Composites, Lightweight, Pedestrian
Lightweight FRP bridge deck for cycleway delivered. The 15m by 3m structure has been constructed off site and is being unloaded using a lorry mounted crane. Low dead weights allow simplified foundations especially where poor ground conditions exist.
FRP Footbridge Durability Utilised in Damp Environment
/ Martin Richardson / BD90/05, BD90/05, Composite, Composite, CUR96, CUR96, Cycleway, Fibercore, Footbridge, Footbridge, FRP Composites, FRP Composites, Lightweight, Pedestrian, Pedestrian, Timber Footbridge, Timber Footbridge, Wooden Footbridge
A small bridge, just 5m span, used to gain public access across a drainage ditch into a local nature reserve. The client was concerned that a traditional timber structure would have reduced durability due to damp environment, so selected the FRP option to reduce maintenance and subsequent whole life cost. Its very well used by a lot of happy, wet and very muddy dogs!
New FRP Bridge Provides Safe Path
/ Martin Richardson / BD90/05, BD90/05, Composite, Composite, CUR96, CUR96, Cycleway, Footbridge, FRP Composites, FRP Composites, Pedestrian, Pedestrian
[caption id="attachment_777" align="alignnone" width="300"] New FRP footbridge gives path users a safe route away from traffic.[/caption]
Our latest FRP bridge takes the route of a new footpath across a stream and safely away from a road. The low maintenance FRP solution, in an environment where a timber bridge would have a significantly lower life before major maintenance is required, means significantly reduced whole life costing. The fast procurement and off site construction allowed installation in time for spring and summer season.
Bridging the Gap - CPD Presentation
/ Martin Richardson / BD90/05, BD90/05, Bridleway, Bridleway, Carbon Fibre, Composite, Composite, Composites UK, Composites UK, CUR96, CUR96, Cycleway, Fibercore, Fibercore, Footbridge, Footbridge, Footpath, FRP Composites, FRP Composites, Lightweight, Lightweight, Pedestrian, Pedestrian, Rural, Steel Footbridge, Steel Footbridge, Timber Footbridge, Timber Footbridge, Wooden Footbridge, Wooden Footbridge
We are currently offering our CPD presentation called 'Bridging the Gap', if this is of interest please get in touch. The presentation is particularly suited to local authority bridge engineers and consulting engineers who provide bridge services. The presentation will covers the following topics to introduce the concept of using FRP materials rather than steel, timber and concrete. - Introduction to FRP composites
- History of FRP composites in construction
- Recent case studies
- Benefits
- Cost comparisons with traditional materials
- Environmental benefits
This presentation will inform attendees of the significant benefits so that the FRP composite material option can be included in appropriate future proposals for the benefit of clients.