The annual bridge conference is being held at the Ricoh Stadium in Coventry on the 9th March and we will be there on stand D01. As our guest you can use the special promo code EXHIN22 for the 2 day event or EXHIN122 to attend on the 9th March. This will save you over 40% on the standard rates. We will be joining our colleagues from Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL) and CRL Surveys who will be demonstrating the range of services which they are able to provide for bridge inspection and maintenance. Martin Richardosn and John Drewett will be on the stand ready to answer any questions you might have about FRP composite bridges.

We are now in a position to offer vehicle bridges that carry traffic loads shall be designed for BS EN 1991-2 [Ref 4.N] load models (LM) LM1, LM2 and, if appropriate for pedestrians, LM4 which are fully compliant with the latest DMRB standards. We are currently in the design phase for two vehicle bridges to be supplied and installed later this year. We started the business in 2015 and without an established market for moulded FRP composite bridges in the UK we decided to target the local authority sector with footbridges, this has been very well received.

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.

We are pleased to offer a new CPD introducing our Footbridge Management Service.  To book this CPD please contact martin@lifespanstructures.com
Tailored to the requirements of all footbridge owners and stakeholders the CPD is identifies the key actions required during the life of a footbridge, from initial concept to end of service and everything in between. Through Lifespan Structures we will introduce the services that are available to develop, manage and maintain a footbridge portfolio via our group of companies, and see how we can offer a solution to wide range of footbridge management issues.

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.

DESCRIPTION
The Client had already purchased 4 moulded FRP composite footbridges from Lifespan Structures since 2018 recognising that for a similar purchase price to a steel bridge the Lifespan bridge significantly reduces installation costs and future maintenance costs. For Albany Park Lifespan designed and delivered 2No. bridges each 12m long. One bridge was a pedestrian bridge 2m wide and the other one was for pedestrians and service vehicles 2.5m wide. Each bridge had galvanised steel, powder coated bespoke parapets to the Client’s design.

The Client had recently purchased additional land to extend an existing park and wanted two footbridges across a small stream to gain access to the new land. Lifespan Structures recommended an FRP composite bridge supported on screw piles with a timber parapet to compliment the environmental location. The Client commissioned Lifespan to undertake a topographical survey, and borehole survey for the proposed locations. Lifespan then provided an Approval in Principle (AIP) for the Client and proceeded to design the two bridges followed by manufacture and delivery to site ready for installation.

Off site production allowed us to continue with this project during the lock down.  Once restrictions were eased the existing bridge was removed and the foundations upgraded by CRL working for Kent Highways, before the new bridge was installed in June. KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, and Member for Tonbridge, Michael Payne said:
“This work was carried out to provide a strengthened and refurbished bridge to ensure it continues to be safe river crossing for the public to use. “The original deck was made from railway rails with a type of expanded metal mesh reinforcement, but unfortunately it wasn’t able to handle the number of people using it.

Very few people in the construction industry are aware of the significant commercial opportunity from identifying R&D processes and expenditure within the business. If a contractor has changed or improved a traditional process, and applied it to the project, then the resources involved may qualify as R&D expenditure and contribute to a claim. By offering an alternative construction technique using a Lifespan Structures composite deck, clients can often qualify for an R&D claim which will reduce the tendered costly of the scheme or enhance the profit margin.

The English Version of CUR96 is now available! CUR96 Recommendation describes the principles for the design of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP)
It is available for download at https://crowplatform.com/product/crow-cur-recommendation-962019/
Please do contact us directly if you would like a to understand more about the content of this document.