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Assembly and Installation
FRP bridge decks can be
manufactured as a one-piece construction or shipped in separate
panels with minimal assembly onsite. Depending on the type of
deck used, lifting of deck panels is accomplished by using
integrated lift rings or by using standard lifting straps.
Depending on the design, these pre-engineered systems have
standard connections that use mechanical fasteners or adhesive
bonding for panel-to-panel, panel-to-stringer, or barrier
rail-to-panel interface.
Quality
Quality control in manufacturing
of FRP bridge decks is assured by each manufacturer. The FRP
bridge deck is designed and fabricated in the factory by
engineers and personnel having expertise in FRP technology.
Prefabrication of the deck offsite results in quality assurance
and takes deck construction off the critical path of
construction. Quality assurance begins by inspecting incoming
raw materials. Each shipment of resin is inspected for gel time,
temperature, viscosity, acid value and solids content and the
values are compared against the certificate of analysis from the
manufacturer. Samples of glass fibers reinforcements including
roving, continuous strand mat, and stitched fabrics are
inspected for material weight, moisture and binder content and
the values are compared to the manufactures’ certificate of
analysis or material specifications.
Conclusion
FRP bridge decks are available
today as a viable alternative to conventional decks. In recent
years, as owners and bridge engineers have become more familiar
with FRP bridge decks, the industry is gradually exiting the
demonstration phase and entering an era of acceptance and use
that takes advantage of the benefits of composites.
Rehabilitation or new construction with FRP bridge decks can and
will flourish when used in applications that utilize their
benefits over conventional materials.
QuickLink to Products:
Kansas Structural Composites,
Inc.
Martin Marietta Composites, Inc.
á
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