COBRAE Composite Bridge Conference Report -- 'FRP Composites in Bridge Design and Civil Engineering' -- Part 1 of 3

摘要

Bridges nearly everywhere these days desperately need repair. Their safe use affects virtually all of us. Repair and strengthening are only two of the several uses for FRP composites in bridge construction or rehabilitation. New, superior, all-composite bridges are being erected as well, and composite cladding is provided for others. This was just part of the message from the COBRAE (COmposite BRidge Alliance Europe) conference held recently in the picturesque, historic Portuguese city of Porto. The venue was ideal, with its amazing collection of high and low bridges - nearly half a dozen - within a few miles of each other. A multi-level city, much of Porto's older part is more or less at river elevation, while newer sections line the high surrounding ridges. Thus, both bridges are near the river level, as well as some grandiose old - and new - types spanning the valley, connecting the upper levels of the city, some 160 ft. over the river in fact one impressive older bridge has traffic lanes running across the top of its arch, with additional vehicle and pedestrian traffic carried by a lower suspension span; a rather unique systems solution. The conference brochure's cover illustrates this intriguing ridge. The comprehensive two and a half day event was held in close cooperation with the Market Development Alliance (MDA), an affiliate of ACMA - The American Composites Manufacturers Association.