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FRP deck for long span bridges
APPLICATIONS
FRP deck for long span bridges
Gurit ramps up automotive production GURIT’S facility for automotive composite parts has increased production and a new technical centre is being created. The company says that its Class A automotive composite technology has now been validated on up to 2000 units per year.
CA’s bridge panels can be placed using equipment such as excavators.
A FIBRE reinforced plastic (FRP) deck for use on long span bridges has been developed by US company Composite Advantage LLC (CA). The decks are 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
www.reinforcedplastics.com
and can be provided with guard rail attachments or a crown.
The facility on the Isle of Wight in the UK was launched in 2007 to supply Class A surface carbon composite body panels for the Aston Martin DBS car and production was successfully ramped up during 2008 to match strong demand for the DBS. A second OEM programme was secured in 2008 and production is expected to start towards the middle of 2009. Further details of this project are expected to be released soon.
To meet the demand of these programmes, Gurit has created a development centre adjacent to the production facility. Gurit’s automotive technology is based on its patented SPRINT® CBS (Car Body Sheet) product combined with its patented in-mould Surface Film to produce high quality panels with a sandable Class-A surface directly from the tool. Gurit says it is currently working on a new CBS system which is capable of operating above 200°C. This is currently in testing and is expected to be commercially available in 2010. Gurit; www.gurit.com
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 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, the composite deck also provides corrosion resistance, low maintenance and a long life cycle. Composite Advantage; www.compositeadvantage.com MAY 2009
REINFORCEDplastics
FRP deck for long span bridges
Gurit ramps up automotive production GURIT’S facility for automotive composite parts has increased production and a new technical centre is being created. The company says that its Class A automotive composite technology has now been validated on up to 2000 units per year.
CA’s bridge panels can be placed using equipment such as excavators.
A FIBRE reinforced plastic (FRP) deck for use on long span bridges has been developed by US company Composite Advantage LLC (CA). The decks are 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
www.reinforcedplastics.com
and can be provided with guard rail attachments or a crown.
The facility on the Isle of Wight in the UK was launched in 2007 to supply Class A surface carbon composite body panels for the Aston Martin DBS car and production was successfully ramped up during 2008 to match strong demand for the DBS. A second OEM programme was secured in 2008 and production is expected to start towards the middle of 2009. Further details of this project are expected to be released soon.
To meet the demand of these programmes, Gurit has created a development centre adjacent to the production facility. Gurit’s automotive technology is based on its patented SPRINT® CBS (Car Body Sheet) product combined with its patented in-mould Surface Film to produce high quality panels with a sandable Class-A surface directly from the tool. Gurit says it is currently working on a new CBS system which is capable of operating above 200°C. This is currently in testing and is expected to be commercially available in 2010. Gurit; www.gurit.com
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 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, the composite deck also provides corrosion resistance, low maintenance and a long life cycle. Composite Advantage; www.compositeadvantage.com MAY 2009
REINFORCEDplastics