Materials Innovation Hub Challenge Martin Richardson Martin Richardson, General Manager of Lifespan Structure. Lifespan Structures has been formed to provide the link between the composites manufacturing market and the construction industry with an initial focus on Footbridges. A bit of my background, I was involved in the development of composite materials for use in structural strengthening for the last 20 years and worked during that time with clients, designers, composite manufacturers and installers to promote understanding and use of the technique.

Construction 2025 Industrial Strategy Lower Whole Life Costs -  Lower Emissions -  Faster Delivery -  Improvement in Exports - In the future The challenge by Government and industry in partnership is set out in the report published in 2013 – Construction 2025 Industrial Strategy. To meet this challenge our proposal is to accelerate the use of FRP composites in the construction industry as a structural material initially in bridge construction but extending to other sectors of the industry. The use of FRP bridge assists in delivering Construction Strategy 2025 in terms of lower whole life costs, lower emissions and faster delivery and we have ambitions to export in the next few years.

What are FRP Composites ? FRP – Fibre Reinforced Polymers Resin - transfers stress between, and protects, fibres Fibres - provide strength and stiffness. At Lifespan Structures we provide a design and supply service for FRP bridges, and link the composite and construction industries, with a view to increasing the use of composites within construction. FRP are Fibre Reinforced Polymers and are made up of resin and fibres to create a structure in a moulded shape, such as a bridge deck.

Knowledge Transfer from Other Industries The performance of FRP materials has been proven in other industries, where both the strong/lightweight nature and long term durability in aggressive environments are utilised. These materials are innovative and new to the construction industry but have been used since the 1940s in other industries. Every day we trust our lives to FRP composites in the cars we drive, the planes we travel in and the boats we sail in.

Footbridge Solution Cost Comparison Whole Life Cost Assessment We have undertaken whole life costs comparisons with traditional construction materials with the assistance of East Sussex County Council. There is a lot of data behind this, but essentially you can see that a standardised FRP solution can be as capital cost effective as traditional materials, and after approximately 18 years becomes the lowest whole life cost solution.

Embodied Energy and Carbon Comparison Toll Gate Bridge Eastbourne Cycleway Footbridge Type Material weights (Kg) Embodied Energy Coefficients (MJ/Kg) Embodied Energy (MJ) Embodied Carbon Coefficients (CO2/Kg) Embodied Carbon (Kg) Steel section 15200 28.1   427,120 2.12 32,224 FRP Composite deck and steel handrails Carbon 170 Glass 964 Resin 1013 Steel 1220 Carbon 235 Glass 23 Resin 71 Steel 28.1 Manufacturing 10.2 190,226 FRP 8.10 Steel 2.12 19,977 62% reduction in weight 38% reduction in carbon embodiment 55% reduction in energy embodiment FRP composites also provide significant environmental benefits when compared to steel, concrete, aluminium and timber options. The table above illustrates the benefits of using a FRP composite deck as an alternative to a steel bridge deck. In the future natural fibres and bio resins will be available which will reduce the environmental impact even more. These decks can also be recycled at the end of life. Toll Gate Bridge 15.2m Deck Length and 3.0m wide with 1.4m high parapet This Embodied Energy data is derived from the a paper published in 2009 – “Life Cycle Energy Analysis for Fibre Reinforced Composites” , MIT Univ The coefficients for steel are for steel section using 35.5% recycled. Source ICE Version 2.0

Lightweight and Safe Installation Over 50% lighter than a steel solution Lightweight nature means bridge can be lifted in with smaller equipment, and can be installed in under an hour. There has been very positive feedback from installation contractors who have found it much easier to install these bridges. It also means less disruption for the local community as the bridges are quickly installed, often without the need for road closures. Reduced lifting equipment Simpler foundations

Social Benefits - Aesthetic Our standardised approach is designed to give flexibility in terms of the types of parapets, colours and general aesthetics. The free form shape of FRP composite decks provides stakeholders, such as the local communities, the opportunity to choose the shape and colours of the finished structure. A variety of deck finishes, parapet rails, colours and deck cambers can be chosen to fit the surrounding environment.

Why Choose An FRP Bridge? Knowledge Transfer from other industries Capital Cost Competitive Reduced Foundations and Lifting Equipment Whole Life Cost Benefits Sustainable Off Site Construction Fast and Safe Installation Long Lasting Aesthetically Pleasing The question should perhaps be why would you not use an FRP Composite Bridge.

ICE Awards – 2015 & 2018 Environmental Engineering & Sustainability FRP composite bridges are already being recognised by the industry for their significant benefits. Environmental Engineering & Sustainability Best Infrastructure Project

Summary These materials meet the needs of the industry when it comes to delivering the Construction 2025 Strategy FRP composites are innovative for the industry but well established and proven in all other industries The materials are sustainable The solution to use more FRP composites in the industry is ready to go using technology transfer from other industries

Thank You Martin Richardson t 0203 146 7332 m 07534 782970 martin@lifespanstructures.com lifespanstructures.com