And like taking the train itself, using FRP reduced the overall environ - mental impact. FRP materials have lower embodied energy than other infrastructure materials since less energy and water is required in its manufacturing of the fibers, polymers and final structure. And CCG’s use of pultrusion and infusion are energy efficient fabrication processes. FRP also has a smaller lifetime footprint: Besides reducing transporta - tion emissions, FRP’s resiliency gives it a very long service life with minimal maintenance. Harmful emissions are significantly reduced by materials that stay stronger for longer. Corrosion Resistance All materials degrade, but not all materials degrade at the same rate. Traditionally, seaside bulkheads are made of concrete strengthened with steel rebar. But when exposed to salt water through the porous concrete, steel almost immediately begins to corrode and rust. Rusted steel weakens the concrete, creating cracks and the corrosion deteriora- tion accelerates until the reinforced concrete must then be replaced, sometimes as frequently as every decade. This is a great and unneces- sary expense. FRP is inherently corrosion-resistant, warding off chemicals, salt and water for up to 100 years. Several polymer types are available, each offering the right resistance to any type of chemical or environment ex- posure. For infrastructure applications, design flexibility allows these products to be tailored for flame retardants, temperature resistance, UV protection and higher corrosion resistance. These additives are easier and simpler to add to FRP versus traditional materials. FRP stands up to salt water without compromising its durability and requires little to From labor shortages to supply chain disruptions, the 2020s are pre - senting grave challenges to every sector of the economy. Fiber Re - inforced Polymer infrastructural and transportation products made by Creative Composites Group are manufactured in the United States. Domestic-made means having the affordable supply needed to keep engineers’ projects moving at the speed of business with a material with the resilience to weather almost any condition. FRP products are already changing waterfronts, bridges, utility poles, cooling towers and much more around our country. And with its design flexibility, light weight, smaller footprint and corrosion resistance, we’re excited to see what else FRP can do for engineering transportation and infrastructure. To learn more about Creative Composites Group visit www.creativecompositesgroup.com. no maintenance over its long service life. FRP: The Material For Our Moment
somewhat flexible, FRP can endure a significant load during a major event and return to its normal state – unlike steel, which stays bent, or wood, which can snap. In addition, FRP poles can absorb about 10 times the energy of a steel pole with similar geometries, and unlike wood poles, FRP poles aren’t victim to the life-shortening effects of woodpeckers or termites. And they’re light: A 40-foot Class 1 wood pole weighs in around 1,100 pounds and steel at 450. FRP is the lightest of the bunch, with a weight of 412 pounds. At less than half the weight of traditional wood poles, FRP utility poles can be installed faster, even over rough terrain, saving labor costs and reducing traffic disruptions. The durability and light weight of FRP poles also means poles may be transported in fewer loads compared to heavier, traditional materials, reducing the emis- When the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) needed new ramps and side platforms for the new Chelsea Station near Boston, FRP provided the attributes they sought. These lightweight FRP structures were easy to install – with each section of the platform taking only half an hour to secure, avoiding transportation disruptions. sions produced in transport. Smaller Carbon Footprint
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August 2022 csengineermag.com
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