Kings Stormwater Channel and I-5/Gilman Bridges, USA

Advanced composite materials, or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, have found wide application in recent years in the rehabilitation of structures. Most of the primary structure applications of FRP composites have been as direct replacements for existing structural components, which may not be economically viable due to higher material costs. Therefore, the advantages of FRP, such as their weight, low life-cycle maintenance costs and mechanical tailorability, can only be effectively utilized when the structural systems offer reduced material usage and simplified construction procedures. The Kings Stormwater Channel and I-5/Gilman bridges represent the implementation of state-of-the-art knowledge on the use of FRP composites for civil infrastructure. The designs implement a variety of structural systems developed through several stages of research and development.