Project Summary

Rapid deterioration and consequent costs for maintaining highway structures built with conventional materials warrant the consideration of alternative construction materials. Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic (FRP) composite materials, due to their strength and material characteristics, seem to offer great promise in solving many existing roadway infrastructure problems. although, externsive research is underway nationwide in using FRP for new construction. Research in this area seems to have followed a component approach (i.e. focussed on such individual components as decks, girders, piles, etc.. A system approach may be much more productive in advancing FRP use in new bridge construction.