An Inexpensive Structural Core Material for Composite Bridges

Polymer Bridge Systems, with over 8 years of research composite bridges, found that success hinges on being dollar-for-dollar cost competitive with steel and concrete. We founded the four "golden rules" that are required: the bridge must be: 1) factory build; 2) road transportable; 3) installed in 1 eight-hour day; and 4) be cost-competitive on an installed cost basis. This bridge will be built utilizing "sandwich-core" construction. We are proposing a new, high compressive-strength core material that will enable this bridge to be priced at or below those in common use. The objective is to qualify this new core for bridge deck / structure applications. The work performed will be to test, mathematically model and prototype this new system. We expect that this new core material will perform splendidly in this structural composite system. The primary application that we are interested in is the small secondary highway (30ft. by 60ft.) single span highway bridge.