New modular FRP bridges revolutionize highway infrastructure with lightweight design.
A modular bridge deck system using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials was designed and constructed for short-span bridges. The system was tested on two bridges in West Virginia in 1997. The bridges featured FRP deck modules supported by FRP wide-flange beams and connected with adhesive and blind fasteners. The goal was to create a durable and efficient bridge structure using FRP materials, which are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. The bridges successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using FRP composites for bridge construction, offering a potential alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete.