New Composite, Lightweight Material For Bridge
Decks Available From ECS Engineering Services
he latest innovation in
fibre reinforced polymer
(FRP) technology can
now be used to improve
the durability of
bridge decks in the UK, thanks to ECS
Engineering Services, which has the
rights to supply and install a range of
products constructed using InfraCore®
Inside technology. This innovative,
lightweight and maintenance-free
product can be installed on a new,
existing or refurbished substructure.
T
The Dutch company FiberCore
Europe has developed a unique
and standardised technology to
use composite FRP material, which
has market leading load bearing
capabilities, up to 60 tonnes and
more. This enables designers and
engineers to select an alternative,
environmentally friendly, low
maintenance product for traditional
projects and also minimise the time
required to complete a project and so
reduce the overall costs.
Compared to traditional bridge
building materials, the reduced weight
of FiberCore products enables savings
to be made in other areas. Smaller
counterweights and hydraulic rams
are required to move the bridge
deck, while smaller electric motors
will reduce energy consumption. In
addition, the reduced weight of the
deck, mounted on original supports,
will allow the maximum payload to be
increased without affecting safety.
Bridge decks manufactured using
InfraCore® Inside technology cannot
corrode or rot which provides an
extremely long service life which is
supported by a 50 year warranty. It is
also comparatively easy to install with
prefabricated segments being joined
on site. This all helps to minimise the
installation time and the disruption to
traffic flow caused by refurbishment
projects.
www.ecsengineeringservices.com
Issue 18 PECM
91