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News Release 06-040

Easy Up, Not-So-Easy Down

Builders replace bridge in only days using lightweight, corrosion-resistant composites

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Fiberglass-polymer composites form the core of a renovated bridge deck in Springfield, Mo.

Fiberglass-polymer composites form the core of a renovated bridge deck in Springfield, Mo. University of Missouri at Rolla researchers at NSF's Buildings and Bridges with Composites Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (RB2C I/UCRC) worked with their industry partners and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin at Madison to develop the pre-fabricated, composite plates and cages.

Credit: Fabio Matta, UMR


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A small crane can lift and position the enormous fiberglass-polymer composite plates

Because of the lightweight nature of the fiberglass-polymer composites, a small crane can lift and position the enormous plates that now underly the concrete surface of the Springfield, Mo., bridge deck.

Credit: Fabio Matta, UMR


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The new composites were critical for both the bridge deck renovation and the guardrail replacement

The new composites were critical for both the bridge deck renovation (yellow plates) and the guardrail replacement (white cages).

Credit: Fabio Matta, UMR


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Workers covered the composites with concrete in the final steps of the bridge renovation

Workers covered the composites with concrete in the final steps of the bridge renovation.

Credit: Fabio Matta, UMR


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Before renovation, the guardrails on this Springfield, Mo., bridge were in dire need of repair

Before renovation, the guardrails on this Springfield, Mo., bridge were in dire need of repair.

Credit: Fabio Matta, UMR


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Before renovation, the underside of this Springfield, Mo., bridge deck was cracked and decaying

Before renovation, the underside of this Springfield, Mo., bridge deck was cracked and decaying.

Credit: Fabio Matta, UMR


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