Strongwell’s EXTREN structural shapes, SAFPLANK interlocking decking system, and SAFPLATE gritted plate was selected by PIPEX Structural Composites, a distributor and fabricator of Strongwell, to build a pedestrian footbridge measuring 80 m over the River Leri in Wales, the United Kingdom. The footbridge was supplied and fabricated by PIPEX Structural Composites for Network Rail. The footbridge ensures safety in crossing the River Lerialongside a railway crossing.
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Advantages of Strongwell’s Lightweight Fiberglass Components
PIPEX Structural Composites was able to fabricate the footbridge in sections thanks to the utilization of Strongwell’s lightweight fiberglass components. The company assembled and load tested 11 sections of the bridge at its fabrication facility situated in Plymouth, the United Kingdom, over a period of 18 weeks. A 12-meter long section weighing 2,800 kg was the largest of all. Roadrailer from the nearby railway facilitated the installation.
EXTREN shapes clasped to the wooden trestles of the existing railway were utilized in the construction of the bridge’s main structure and handrail. The slip-resistant surface of the walkway was formed using SAFPLANK decking covered with gritted SAFPLATE. The corrosion resistant FRP components were the ideal choice of materials for use in an area that has moisture rich environment. Strongwell’s fiberglass products are known for providing corrosion resistance in salt and fresh water environments.
Technical Data
| Product |
: |
Fiberglass Footbridge |
| Process |
: |
Pultrusion, Fiberglass Fabrication |
| Materials |
: |
EXTREN Series 525 fiberglass reinforced polyester, fire retardant; SAFPLATE fiberglass reinforced polyester, fire retardant; grit surface SAFPLANK fiberglass decking system |
| Sizes |
: |
SAFPLATE 4' x 12' panels; 5/8" thick SAFPLANK 24" wide; EXTREN structural shapes: 4" x 1/4" square tube; 4" x 3/8" square tube; 4" x 3/8" angle; 3/8" plate |
| For |
: |
PIPEX Structural Composites Ltd. |
| User |
: |
Network Rail |
About Strongwell
Strongwell Corporation is involved in the design, fabrication and testing of molded or pultruded fiber reinforced polymer composite products for construction, commercial and industrial applications.
Strongwell has been pultruding fiber reinforced polymer composite structural products since 1956. Today, with more than 65 pultrusion machines and 647,000 square feet of manufacturing space in three plant locations, Strongwell has unequaled capacity, versatility and flexibility to meet the needs of its customers and allied partners. All Strongwell pultruded products are made in the USA. Click here to learn how Strongwell’s pultruded products out perform traditional materials.
The company is financially strong, quality oriented, technically advanced, and customer focused. Strongwell's customers include Fortune 500 industrial and commercial firms, major architectural and engineering firms, leading contractors and distributors, and many other companies - both large and small - in a variety of markets.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Strongwell Corporation.
For more information on this source, please visit Strongwell Corporation.