Source used as reference: https://extremehowto.com/build-your-own-bridge/

What would we do without bridges? It is extremely easy to take these structures for granted because of the numerous bridges we encounter on a daily basis. As we have seen in recent events, they need to be maintained in order to keep serving their purpose, or we would have to rebuild them from scratch. In the case where we have to build, or rebuild, a concrete-based bridge project, there are several important things to consider. Here are the top 5. 

1. Planning and Jurisdiction

Based on the location of the bridge you would like to build, or rebuild, it’s crucial to do some research. Diligent planning is required and you will need to assess the different waterways and the jurisdiction they belong to. Based on the jurisdiction, they may belong to agencies who have specific rules that need to be respected. For example, some may require a certain weight limit, others would require the bridge to be able to hold fire trucks, etc. Therefore, before you start anything, make sure you did the proper research to request permission and approval from the appropriate authorities and parties. 

2. Establishing a Strong Foundation

Once you get the necessary approvals, the first thing you should focus on is the foundation. This also implies covering the right materials that will allow you to have long lasting and successful results. This is where FRP rebar comes in. FRP rebar has proven to be the preferred solution when compared to steel bars as they offer several benefits that would speed up the construction process, decrease maintenance costs, and ensure a long durability of the structure, among other things. Once all the decisions regarding the foundation are made (materials, quantities, resources, labour, etc.), you can start building. 

3. Framing you can trust

The framing is the most important part. Once the foundation is complete, you need to make sure the framing is well established and planned in order to start shaping the bridge. The framing phase is extremely similar to the foundation, which means it is also important to choose the right materials to be able to create the structure according to the project plan. The material used should be easily adaptable to any architectural requirement. SFT-Bar can be manufactured to fit any shape and structure to meet the design requirements of your choice. 

4. Finishing Touches

Once the structure and framing are complete, the smaller touches come in. Depending on the finish you would like to have, the purpose of the bridge, its size, weight, and regulations to respect, the finishing touches can vary. 

5. Maintenance

Last but not least, it is essential to determine the maintenance plan to ensure the bridge will be looked after and last as long as possible. By using SFT-Bar, you are already able to prolong the durability of your structure, but it is not enough to leave it at that. Based on several factors (environment, traffic, conditions, etc.), your bridge may require frequent maintenance in the long term. Fortunately, FRP rebar’s non-corrosive and unsusceptible to chemical spills properties will reduce the need for frequent maintenance. In fact, using FRP rebar instead of steel, will allow you to save on all the typical maintenance costs related to corrosion, chemical spills, environmental factors, etc. 

There are several elements that play a role in a concrete-based bridge project. It’s important to look at each and every aspect and make sure you are making the best decisions to achieve outstanding results. 

Find out more about the benefits of FRP in bridges by visiting our website https://sftec.ca/applications/