FRP Wind Fairings Help New Bridge Structure Withstand The Elements While Shepherding Vehicles And Trains Across Its Expanse
Sarah Mildred Long Bridge was demolished in 2016 after mechanical and maintenance problems red-listed the 80-year-old span. The structure served as a vital link between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine; regions separated by the Piscataqua River. What emerged was unique in several ways. The new bridge design included vertical clearance for larger ships and a steel box lift span capable of carrying vehicle and railroad traffic above the steel superstructure. The bridge became the first of its kind in the U.S. with four precast 200 ft. tall concrete towers that support a 300 ft. long structural steel box girder lift span. To stabilize the bridge during severe weather and deflect high winds, engineers needed a lightweight solution. FRP composites fit the bill. Cianbro Corp., the project’s contractor, selected Composite Advantage to design and fabricate two sets fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind fairings. Each was engineered to house an internal walkway to accommodate inspection and maintenance activities.
READ MORE>>>
