FRP IN STRUCTURES/BRIDGES USERS GROUP

[CONEJO]

Is there such a group here or elsewhere? If not, is anybody interested in starting one? I have found growing interest and advances in FRP and related technologies for structural users. What I found lacking is a sort of all-in-one combination clearinghouse, how-to cafe/bar, project showcasing, etc. where those who have had experience can interact with those seeking solid start guidance and advance the implementation of the art, to aid in fixing our sorely deteriorated infrastructure.

 

[hokie66]

Why not use this existing forum? There are over 4000 members, although many are probably inactive. A search of the forum finds several strings about FRP, and a search of the whole site finds more.

 

[bridgebuster]

I agree with hokie; why not use this forum? NYSDOT has done a few FRP bridges and issued some publications but I don't see any real interest. Perhaps FRP may carve out a tiny niche, but as for the present I think more people will be interested in ABC (accelerated bridge construction),precast deck panels, and UHPC.

Although these methods have a lot to offer, I believe traditional construction methods will for the foreseeable future dominate the market.

 

[rowingengineer]

FRP structures and bridges, happy to talk in this forum. We use them on ABC sites some times, as they are lightweight and quick to install, however there spans are limited compared to the heavier options. one "niche" is timber bridge replacements, this is a growing problem in my neck of the woods.

How could you do anything so vicious? It was easy my dear, don't forget I spent two years as a building contractor. - Priscilla Presley & Ricardo Montalban

 

[CONEJO]

Thanks, rowing'; I am looking for information in several areas, but currently regarding the already cured FRP strip mechanically fastened to an unprepared or minimally prepared concrete surface, which seems to be its main selling point, besides low total cost compared to alternatives. The particular concern is durability (i.e., fastener corrosion when fastener is not stainless steel), given our heavy reliance on salt for deicing. Some at Missouri DOT were skeptical about this technology's viability, whereas others in NH have designed retrofits to short span bridges with a design life of 25 years. I have thought of using this product type for both stop-gap measures for culverts and short span bridges (5-10 years) until replacement money is available, to actual mid-term retrofits, to "permanent"repairs on culverts not suporting traffic above.

 

[hokie66]

Typical when acronyms are used...CONEJO is talking about externally bonded reinforcement, which could be fibreglass or carbon fibre or something else, and rowingengineer is talking about composite deck panels...I think.

There is plenty of room for discussion of any of this stuff in this forum. Just need to know what we are talking about.

 

[rowingengineer]

Hokie you are correct I am talking about composite deck panels.

How could you do anything so vicious? It was easy my dear, don't forget I spent two years as a building contractor. - Priscilla Presley & Ricardo Montalban