The use of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) in bridges as a favourable solution for the environment

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this article is to show the modern engineering, in which sustainability and taking care of ecology play a significant role. The authors are focused on FRP composite materials and their applications in civil engineering. Case studies showing renovation and design of new bridges with the use of FRP are presented and discussed to clarify benefits, which this solution provides. Main advantages of FRP materials in comparison with traditional ones, like concrete or steel are showed. The environmental impact of composites is described with respect to all life cycle of a product. Furthermore, some forms of waste management are covered. Last part of the paper refers to scientific description of the pedestrian bridge made of FRP, which was realized under the Fobridge research grant. The group of researchers headed by professor Chróścielewski from Gdansk University of Technology has developed a design solution of the pedestrian bridge manufactured in one production cycle. Moreover, the footbridge construction contains a significant share of a recyclable material commonly called PET. The article contains main characteristics of the structure and production process based on the resin infusion.

Influence of SLS design requirements on the material consumption and self-weight of web-core sandwich panel FRP composite footbridges

“…The deflection at midspan (wtot) can be calculated using beam formulas, where the deflection due to shear cannot be neglected. As an example, equation (16) gives the deflection for a simply supported beam with a span L, loaded by a uniformly distributed load q.…”

“…Especially when looking at footbridges [13,14], this type of material can offer an added value. In the context of the greening of the mobility [15,16], these bridges will make up a much more important part of the public infrastructure in the future. However, the material also offers important advantages for road bridges for light and moderate traffic [17], for bridge decks [18][19][20][21], and for replacement and extension orders of existing bridges, such as the reuse of existing foundations and abutments and the limited installation time [22].…”

Measured dynamic properties of web-core sandwich panel FRP composite footbridges and their relation to pedestrian comfort analysis

“…Due to the successful application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite shapes and structures in the aviation, offshore, marine and wind turbine sectors, these materials are increasingly used in load-bearing civil engineering structures [10][11][12][13]. In bridge construction, mainly the good mechanical properties such as the high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to other traditional construction materials play an important role in the decisionmaking process of an FRP structure.…”

Characterisation of C-shape pultruded fibre reinforced polymer for bridge structures

“…The disadvantage of PFRP application is the higher initial cost as compared with conventional materials like steel and concrete. But, this aspect still possibly evolves due to the fact that prices of FRP component materials tend to decrease [3].…”

“…PFRP is made by using pultrusion process which involving a continuous fabrication of composite materials with constant structural section. PFRP is promising in the future as it gives some solution in modern engineering practice which aim is to reduce time of construction process and to minimise the environmental impact [3,6].…”