1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

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