John Drewett – Director

Employed: April 2015 to present
Experience: 35 years
Reports to: Group CEO

RESPONSIBILITIES

Supporting the General Manager with the development of the FRP composite bridge market in the UK. Providing strategic planning, technical support and presentations to organisations and conferences.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

John graduated in Civil Engineering from Bristol University and after working in general contracting and consulting, joined specialist contractor, Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL), in 1984. John joined the Board of CRL Surveys in 1988 and CRL in 1991 as the Director responsible for Marketing and Technical Developments.

In 1994 John commissioned Sheffield University to undertake structural strengthening trials using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates bonded to concrete beams. In 1996 CRL was the first Company in the UK to install CFRP plates for structural strengthening and went on to pioneer the use of this technique in the UK and helping to develop the Concrete Society technical standards.

In 2008 CRL fabricated and delivered their first FRP composite vehicle bridge at Standen Hey for Network Rail. Then in 2013 John secured the contract to design, manufacture and install the first moulded FRP composite footbridge in the UK for Kings Lynn Council. After the successful completion of this contract, Lifespan Structures, was established to design and supply FRP composite bridges in the UK and the first award winning bridge was delivered in 2015 for East Sussex CC. Since 2015 over 30 moulded FRP composite bridges have been supplied across the UK.

John was a member of the Composites UK Steering Group which developed and published in 2018 a CIRIA Report (C779) on FRP Bridge Design Guidance.

John has extensive knowledge and experience of FRP composites in the construction industry developed over the last 30 years. He continues to promote the use of FRP composites with technical presentations and published articles. These materials will provide a step change in the construction industry by reducing the environmental impact of the sector, enhancing off-site construction, and reducing whole life costs.