ACE Awards - Infinite Possibility

Infinite Possibility
Sponsored by AOC and Composites One

This award is presented to the entry that demonstrates the potential to significantly increase the use of composites in existing or developing markets or generate the greatest impact to open new markets for composites manufacturers and material suppliers or provide the ability for broad manufacturing opportunities for manufacturers.

Entry: GRIDFORM FRP Bridge Deck Panels

Submitted by: Strongwell – Bristol Division, Bristol, VA

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
GRIDFORM FRP deck panels are manufactured using pultruded grating I-bars, fiberglass plate and pultruded shear connector bars. These lightweight panels replace steel rebar in a reinforced concrete bridge deck for vehicular bridges. The use of GRIDFORM FRP panels reduced installation time 70% and reduced labor costs 75%, compared to a traditional steel and concrete bridge deck in the Greene County, Missouri bridge project, installed in November 2005. Additionally, GRIDFORM FRP panels resist rusting and the inherent concrete cracking associated with steel rebar, which means much less maintenance cost for the county transportation department. GRIDFORM was named runner-up in the prestigious American Society of Civil Engineers Charles Pankow Award for Innovation Competition in April 2006.