Longer Live for Bridge Decks. 2

[Roadbridge]

American engineers have developed a plastic reinforcement system they claim could help double the life of a typical bridge deck.
Research engineers at the university of Wisconsin in the U.S. developed a fibre-reinforced polymer grid in a bid to cut time on site and help extend the design life of bridges.
Rather than having a circular cross section like traditional steel rebar, the new grid system is produced using plastic bars with a section shape similar to a miniature I beam.
The I-beam sections are prefabricated in a grid system that can be lowered quickly into position and helps curt rebar tying time. It also improves the durability of the deck extending the decks life span from 30-35 years up to 75 years with out the need for replacement.

Looks like the days for the mighty steel fixer are numbered.


Source Construction News U.K issue no 6920.

 

[broekie]

I wonder at what price. Does the article say anything about cost?

 

[Qshake]

broekie,

Yes, I wonder what the cost is too.

I will say that any improvement on life has to be good despite the initial cost of the improvement. Just think of how long we already leave our infrastructure alone without maintenance. Moreover, rehabbing not only cost construction money but adds significant cost to the workforce sitting idle on the freeway.



Regards,
Qshake

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