The decks are built with a sandwich construction of fibreglass facing skins and a fibre reinforced core of redundant shear webs in both longitudinal and transverse bridge directions. A wide range of design options can be incorporated eliminating the need for costly tooling which can constrain deck panel dimensions.
The composite panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 52 ft. They are typically placed transversely across the bridge to transfer loads to the superstructure girders, and CA says it can design the FRP panels to provide specified stiffness in both longitudinal and transverse bridge directions. Depths can be designed to match the elevation of other components. Panel weights are 20 psf or less. Decks can be moulded in any colour and can be provided with guard rail attachments or a crown.
CA’s panels are generally placed starting at one abutment with light equipment such as an excavator. Connected to the superstructure from the top, different connection options are available and typical wear surfaces such as asphalt or polymer aggregate can be used. Some overlays can be installed on the manufacturing floor for faster installation.
The composite FRP product is especially suited to long span lift, bascule, steel truss or steel grate bridges requiring reduced weight, or rural bridge locations where faster installations can save long detour time and costs. According to CA of Dayton, Ohio, USA, the composite deck also provides corrosion resistance, low maintenance and a long life cycle.
