Bridges with Glass Fibre–Reinforced Polymer Decks: The Road Bridge in Friedberg, Germany

Abstract

In July 2008, the first road bridge in Germany using glass fibre-reinforced polymers (GFRP) was completed in Friedberg/Hessen. The structure has a span of 27 m and acts as a flyover across the federal road B3. The high durability of the new construction material and the fast assembly of the bridge were decisive factors in favour of GFRP. During the preceding years, several lightweight bridges using FRP had been constructed in the USA, Japan and also in Europe. Through these projects, valuable experience was gathered regarding construction, and the use and performance of composites could be demonstrated. The bridge in Friedberg extended this experience by taking into account the composite action between the FRP deck and the steel girders. It also followed, consequently, the approach of durable bridge construction by omitting any bearings or expansion joints and making the innovative material visible to passers-by.