Composites UK has published a document entitled 'FRP Bridges – Guidance for Designers' via construction industry non-profit CIRIA, funded by Highways England and Network Rail. The guide includes the history of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridges in the UK together with some of learning points relating to FRP materials, the manufacturing process and design criteria. Sustainability is also identified. Composites UK says that it has produced the document as a result of industry demand as at present there are minimal resources for the bridge engineer to refer to, with no recognised design standards to follow. However, structural Eurocodes are in development and there are a number of guides from materials manufacturers. The document aims to help bridge engineers to understand FRP materials and how they can use them effectively in modern bridge construction. The document is free to download here.
This story is reprinted from material from Composites UK, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
