FRP Bridges
FRP Bridges
(OP)
Hello-
I know the concept hasn't quite taken hold, but I wonder what experience is out there for designing bridges from composite materials. I design custom FRP equipment for a living, but as a civil/structural engineer I would like to know of applications in the structural realm and what codes might apply? Thanks
rd78
I know the concept hasn't quite taken hold, but I wonder what experience is out there for designing bridges from composite materials. I design custom FRP equipment for a living, but as a civil/structural engineer I would like to know of applications in the structural realm and what codes might apply? Thanks
rd78





RE: FRP Bridges
Since the manufacturing process is expensive and only a few of those companies available with fewer involved in infrastructure it makes sense to have a product that is specified as opposed to engineered for each application. In the long run I see these applications going by way of the three-sided culverts. Yes, they make sense and easily constructed and placed but not many agencies use them. Perhaps that is a comment on the lobbying process rather than virtue of the new material.
Regards,

Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: FRP Bridges
To my knowledge, modern composite material construction has been used successfully in the design and construction of at least two footbridges. One at Sherbrooke University in Quebec, and the other in Seoul, South Korea. The one in Korea is a beautiful 120m arc span made of "ultra high performance concrete".
Regards
VOD
RE: FRP Bridges
Other applications include passive column wraps for seismic retrofitting. This, of course, is being used in California, Missouri and Illinois to my knowledge. Hexcel-Fyfe and Watson-Bowman are involved in these applications as are others.
Most all of the applications involved are situated near a university which is greatly involved in the research and application. Most of which comes from aerospace industry and so KSU, KU, Virgina Tech, UMR, USD and others which are also associated with giants like Lockheed-Martin and Boeing are usually active.
Regards,

Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: FRP Bridges
Hg
RE: FRP Bridges
ISIS Canada as well as thier international partners are involved in this area. They have developed a design manual which is used here in Canada.
I am aware of a few bridges which have one span composed of Steel free decks (utilizing FRP as the reinforcing) localy. These structures are being monitored by ISIS in real time. Curently there is one Bridge which is being designed in our inventory which is proposed of being entirely steel free utilizing ISIS desing manual for the design.
For more information you could contact ISIS. The canadian link is http://www.isiscanada.com/manuals/main.htm?manuals...
I hope this helps.
Qshake,
As always I enjoy reading your threads and responces! Keep up the good work and encouragement that you provide.
Andy
RE: FRP Bridges
It's ancient history, but structures were one of the first industries to use composite materials -- concrete and steel !
Regards, RAF
RE: FRP Bridges
Hg
RE: FRP Bridges
RE: FRP Bridges
http://www.ltu.edu/engineering/civil/