Development, testing and construction of the hybrid FRP composite – concrete road bridge

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have become an integral part of the construction industry because of their versatility, high strength-to-weight ratio, enhanced durability, resistance to fatigue and corrosion, accelerated construction and lower maintenance and life-cycle costs. However, all-composite structural bridge systems have specific shortcomings such as high initial costs, low stiffness and the existence of brittle failure modes. To make the best use of materials and to overcome the above shortcomings, combinations of FRP and conventional materials have recently been investigated. The innovative hybrid idea of a “FRP composite – concrete” structural system for bridges is proposed. The objective of this paper is the description of the new bridge system itself and the presentation of research results related to its development, as well as a demonstrative bridge construction.