Architecture of contemporary pedestrian bridges made of fiber-reinforced composite materials

Abstract

Composite materials are often used in the construction industry nowadays. Including such industries as construction of bridges – unique structures. Today it is possible to produce from FRP not only separate bridge parts and single structural elements, but also entire span structures and one-piece composite bridges made as a monoblock element. The architecture of contemporary footbridges built with the use of fiber reinforced composite plastics in recent decades is being studied and analyzed in the article. The case-study examines the history of plastic composites as structural materials and the trends and evolution of the design of plastic products. The paper proposes a classification of modern pedestrian bridges made of fiber reinforced composites (based on a combination of innovation in the use of materials and in the design). The following three classes are distinguished: composite materials + traditional design; composite and traditional materials + hybrid design; composite materials + new design. The most recent examples of objects belonging to each of the three groups identified in the classification were reviewed and analyzed in course of the study (including contemporary Russian examples of composite pedestrian bridges). Particular attention is paid to the most advanced technologies, such as 3D-printing of composite bridges, as well as a number of other contemporary experimental production methods. The experience of scientists and manufacturers from Germany, Spain, Great Britain, China and other regions of the world has been studied. Further research and application of modern fiber-reinforced composites in combination with the latest production technologies of 3D-printing and computer parametric design can contribute to the development of modern bridge construction, which would be helpful for expanding the typology of structures and improving the design of new structures.