Abstract
The proven effectiveness of highway crossing infrastructure to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions with large animals has made it a preferred method for increasing motorist and animal safety along road networks around the world. The crossing structures also provide safe passage for small- and medium-sized wildlife. Current methods to build these structures use concrete and steel, which often result in high costs due to the long duration of construction and the heavy machinery required to assemble the materials. Recently, engineers and architects are finding new applications of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and low life-cycle costs. This material is better suited to withstand environmental elements and the static and dynamic loads required of wildlife infrastructure. Although carbon and glass fibers along with new synthetic resins are most commonly used, current research suggests an increasing incorporation and use of bio-based and recycled materials. Since FRP bridges are corrosion resistant and hold their structural properties over time, owners of the bridge can benefit by reducing costly and time-consuming maintenance over its lifetime. Adapting FRP bridges for use as wildlife crossing structures can contribute to the long-term goals of improving motorist and passenger safety, conserving wildlife and increasing cost efficiency, while at the same time reducing plastics in landfills.
Highlights
For several decades, ecologists and engineers have been exploring new methods and adapting existing techniques to more effectively address mitigation measures that address motorists’ safety and large species conservation as a result of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs)
This paper explores the promising application of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) to wildlife crossing structures that can potentially provide a less expensive and more adaptable approach to mitigating
Free-formed FRP bridge designs have become popular around Europe but have yet to be tested to meet national standards in North America
Summary
Ecologists and engineers have been exploring new methods and adapting existing techniques to more effectively address mitigation measures that address motorists’ safety and large species conservation as a result of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs). WVCs with large animals every year in the U.S that result in substantial property damage, personal injuries, and fatalities [1,2]. There are currently many techniques for mitigating WVCs, including wildlife crossing infrastructure (i.e., underpasses and overpasses), wildlife signage, reflector posts, fencing, and animal detection-driver warning systems. When mitigation structures are properly located and designed, they can reduce WVCs from. Because of the proven effectiveness of crossing structures with fencing to reduce wildlife mortality, increase motorist safety, and maintain connectivity across transportation systems for all sizes of animals, they are often the preferred mitigation measure around the world
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