DAYTON, Ohio – (September 2, 2015) –Composite Advantage announced it has introduced a new wear surface option for its FiberSPAN pedestrian bridge deck and rail platform products. After evaluation and testing, CA selected the Matacryl system which combines quartz aggregate in a methyl methacrylate polymer for greater durability, less roughness and higher elongation than conventional non-slip wear surfaces. The product is similar to the polymer concrete surfaces used on vehicle bridges making Matacryl a robust choice for areas experiencing heavy use.
“FRP decking is continuing to gain ground in pedestrian bridge and rail platform projects,” says Scott Reeve, president of Composite Advantage, “especially in larger cities where these types of structures endure the wear and tear of daily foot traffic and seasonal activity like snow removal. The demanding requirements of these rugged environments prompted adaptation of Matacryl to these types of applications.” Matacryl has been used in Europe extensively, but was just recently introduced to North America. Its ¼-in. wear surface has been UL tested for fire resistance. The product weighs two pounds per square foot and costs just a few dollars more per square foot than a traditional wear surface product; while lasting up to five times longer. High elongation [greater than 100 percent] allows the surface to withstand high impact at cold temperatures.
Matacryl comes in a variety of colors and is immune to UV radiation and fading. New Wear Surface September 2, 2015 Page two In addition to its new product, CA will continue to offer its traditional wear surface treatment for applications that do not have a high traffic count, such as trail and park bridges.
Composite Advantage is the leading manufacturer of very large Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite parts, up to 100 feet, for structurally demanding applications and corrosive environments. CA combines its unique knowledge, innovative design, field experience and efficient manufacturing processes to support its core products - zero maintenance bridges and bridge decks. CA’s other product lines include vehicle bridge decks to handle fully loaded 90,000-pound truck-trailers; rail platforms and waterfront infrastructure for US Navy bases.