Articles about Pedestrian

Almost 7 years ago one of our Local Authority Clients issued a tender for a project that required a new simply supported 8m single span bridge of 1m width with a standard anti climb parapet. A variety of typical bridge construction types were permitted including steel, timber and an alternative using Lifespan resin infused FRP composites. With input from the Client additional considerations were made as to the likely cost and regularity of maintenance works for each of the possible bridge types in order to ascertain a whole life cost for each of the options.

EuCIA publishes update on future Eurocode for composites

Colinton Dell is a steep-sided gorge and wildlife refuge on the Water of Leith, just north of the old village of Colinton on the outskirts of Edinburgh. It extends from Colinton Parish Church towards Slateford along the Water of Leith Walkway and has an area of 10 ha (25 acres). The Dell includes mature and ancient mixed woodland and the protection afforded by the high banks and thick undergrowth makes it a natural habitat for wildlife, including numerous bird species and amphibians, voles, weasels, stoats and occasionally roe deer.

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.

This Public Rights of Way (PROW), 2 span bridge was installed in December 2018. The lightweight nature allowed easy installation in this remote location during the winter months and moulded deck technology means long term maintenance will be reduced to a minimum.  The total length of the bridge was 14m and 0.905m wide between the handrails.  The handrails were attached to the outside edge of the bridge to minimise the overall width of the structure to suit site constraints.  The project demonstrates that FRP bridges can be a cost effective, durable alternative to traditional construction methods for small remote structures.

600kg FRP bridge deck replaces a 2-3000kg timber bridge, delivered and put in place in just a few hours. The installation of our first generation of lightweight footbridge structures is over 3 years ago now.

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!

[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.

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.