Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Bridge Decking

Project Team

• BridgeComposites, LLC
• Integrated Materials and Applied Computing, Inc.
• Penn State University
• LeTourneau University
• XC Associates, Inc.
• Allegany County, NY

Award - $460,305

Barriers to Implementation of Current FRP Deck Systems

• The initial cost is higher than traditional materials
• All current systems are proprietary, hindering the ability to obtain competitive prices and standard methods
• There have been some issues with the durability of wearing surfaces
• There are relatively few suppliers

Benefits of the Proposed Deck System

• Hybrid nature makes efficient use of materials
• A lightweight deck replacement can improve the load capacity of an existing bridge
• Quality can be enhanced by manufacturing in a factory environment using ISO-9001 criteria
• Life cycle cost of the bridge can be reduced
• Ease of installation
• Automated fabrication process can reduce manufacturing costs and improve cost-competitiveness

Benefits of the Proposed Deck System

• Improves long-term durability through the use of corrosion-resistant materials
• Use of modular components fabricated away from the project site reduces exposure time during installation to
• enhance motorist and worker safety
• decrease traffic congestion
• Non-proprietary system

Project Deliverables

• Improved materials and manufacturing methods that reduce cost
• Demonstration of connection details that will provide long term durability
• Documentation of how to install a functional wearing surface