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FHWA Home / Highways for LIFE / Technology Partnerships / Bridge Technology / Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Bridge Decking

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Bridge Decking

2010 TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS AWARD


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

Slide 1

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

Slide 2

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

Slide 3

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

Slide 4

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

Slide 5
Page last modified on June 29, 2016
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000