New composite, lightweight material for bridge decks available from ECS Engineering Services

The 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.

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.