Pultruded Composites Span Infrastructure Gaps

Pultruded composite bridge decks and superstructures are becoming increasingly common as the materials technology develops. This article examines the products of three firms who manufacture pultruded composites. Martin Marietta Composites Incorporated (MMC) manufactures DuraSpan bridge decks, which are particularly useful in drawbridge designs. Wagner's Composite Fibre Technologies Manufacturing (WCFTM) manufactures decks, support girders and other infrastructure components that are assembled where they are needed, in essence creating a complete drop-in bridge. WCFTM specializes in mixing composites with concrete construction. Bedford Reinforced Plastics manufactures bridge decks which can be quickly installed to minimize traffic delays on busy roads. The author expects that in the future manufacturers will adopt a total delivery system approach and provide not only the physical bridge parts but the design plans, bidding documents and support and technical personnel.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10834117
• Authors:
  • Black, Sara
• Publication Date: 2005-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 28-33
• Serial:
  • Composites Technology
  • Publisher: Gardner Publications Incorporated
  • ISSN: 1083-4117

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Bridge engineering; Bridge superstructures; Composite materials; Drawbridges; Girders; Modular structures; Prefabricated bridges; Rehabilitation (Maintenance); Repairing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Pultruded composites; Rapid construction; Time savings
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I35: Miscellaneous Materials; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01006682
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 21 2005 11:57AM