What typifies full FRP bridges is the substructure which consists of the bridge deck and the railings all made of FRP material. Steel is used only in the form of bolts, nuts, and washers. With the standard profile program from Fiberline, it is possible to configure and build full FRP bridges up to a span of 20 meters. Full FRP bridges are usually pedestrian bridges, walking bridges or bicycle bridges with traffic loads up to 12 tons. Spans up to 10 meters are possible with a girder-substructure while spans over 10 meters require trusses. Weight of the bridges is around 60-80 kg/m2 including the anti-skid surface.
Illustration
The Fiberline Full FRP bridge uses material only manufactured by Fiberline Building Profiles A/S. The main girders are from large U- and I- profiles and the decking is made from HD plank. The railing is our standard bridge railing, also made fully from FRP.
1. Main girders, corners made from U-profiles, centre beams from I-profiles
2. Concrete foundations
3. HD plank, item no 122088
4. HD Clip, item no 149100
5. Bolts for attaching main girders to the foundation
6. Anchor bolt
7. Steel angle for attaching the bridge to the foundation
8. Bolte for mounting parapets to the U-profiles
9. Parapets made from square hollow sections
10. Neoprene pads for dampening and protecting the main girders
Data sheet for decking
Fiberline Medium Duty Plank
Fiberline Medium Duty Plank is designed with an excellent price-performance ratio. The plank weighs only 6.58 kg/m, making it easy to handle on-site. Like other products from Fiberline, plank MD is made of GFRP. This material has noteworthy properties such as a long, proven service life as well as high corrosion resistance and strength. Fiberline plank MD is also available with anti-skid surface
Fiberline Heavy Duty Plank
The strong Fiberline Heavy Duty Plank is suitable for applications were load requirements are 5 kN/m2 and point loads are 10 kN, e.g. decks for bike paths and pedestrian bridges. Plank HD is corrosion-free and has a long service life, even under demanding and corrosive conditions, e.g. swimming pools, industry and cooling towers settings as well as offshore. Other advantages include great strength, low weight and electrical insulation. Plank HD is also available with anti-skid surface.
Fiberline Ultra Duty Plank
The Ultra Duty Plank is our strongest bridge decking, designed to meet the most stringent load requirements for pedestrian and cycle bridges. The UD plank reduces the weight of the structure and is easy to work with at the installation site. It is also corrosion-resistant against a range of chemicals and salt water. Asphalt or PPMA/Epoxy strewn with sand or gravel can be used as a wearing surface.
A full FRP bridge is a bridge structure where the main load bearing elements, bridge deck and railings are made primarily from Fibre Reinforced Polymer. Steel is only used for selected connection parts such as bolts, nuts and washers.
For bridge owners, municipalities, engineering consultants and contractors, a full Fibre Reinforced Polymer bridge is relevant when low weight, corrosion resistance and practical installation are key project requirements. The material does not rust or rot, which makes it well suited for bridges in wet, coastal, natural or exposed environments where traditional materials often require more maintenance.
Fiberline full FRP bridges are configured using standard FRP profiles, HD planks and FRP bridge railing systems. This makes the solution relevant for pedestrian bridges, cycle bridges and access bridges where long service life and reduced maintenance are important decision factors.
A full FRP bridge makes sense when the project needs a lightweight bridge structure with high resistance to weather, moisture and corrosion. It is especially relevant in locations where access is limited, installation time matters or future maintenance work would be difficult or costly.
Typical project situations include:
A full FRP bridge is not automatically the right solution for every bridge project. Span, load requirements, foundations, use conditions and local design requirements should always be assessed by qualified engineers before the final solution is specified.
A full FRP bridge combines low weight, corrosion resistance and low maintenance in one bridge structure. This can support both installation efficiency and long term operation for professional bridge owners.
The low weight can make transport, lifting and assembly easier compared with heavier bridge materials. This is useful in hard to access areas, nature locations or projects where installation should cause minimal disruption.
The corrosion resistance of FRP is a central advantage in exposed environments. Unlike steel, FRP does not rust. Unlike wood, it does not rot. This can help reduce the need for recurring surface treatment, repairs and replacement work over the service life of the bridge.
FRP can also be processed with ordinary tools, which makes on site adjustments more practical. For contractors and installers, this can simplify the final fitting process compared with materials that require welding or hot work.
A full FRP bridge is often the right choice when the project benefits from a complete lightweight and corrosion resistant bridge structure. A hybrid bridge is often relevant when another material, such as steel, wood or concrete, is needed for the main substructure, while FRP is used for the bridge deck, railing or exposed components.
| Project need | Full FRP bridge | Hybrid bridge with FRP |
| Low total bridge weight | Strong fit when the full structure should be lightweight | Strong fit when weight reduction is needed in selected components |
| Corrosion resistance across the structure | Strong fit because the main bridge elements are made from FRP | Strong fit for decks, railings and exposed components |
| Long spans or special stiffness needs | Relevant depending on design and calculation | Often relevant when steel, wood or concrete is needed in the substructure |
| Simple installation | Strong fit due to low weight and practical handling | Relevant when FRP components simplify the installation process |
| Bridge renovation | Relevant in selected replacement projects | Often relevant when the existing substructure can be retained |
| Typical use | Pedestrian bridges, cycle bridges and access bridges | Bridge deck renovation, long span projects and mixed material designs |
The right choice depends on span, load, environment, foundation design and maintenance strategy. Fiberline can support your project team with documentation and guidance when assessing whether a full FRP bridge or hybrid bridge is the best fit.
Fiberline supports professional bridge projects with FRP profiles, planks, railing systems and technical documentation. With more than 40 years of experience in fibreglass constructions, we help project teams assess how FRP can be used in durable, lightweight and low maintenance bridge solutions.
Our role can include guidance on material selection, design considerations, documentation and coordination with the project team. For exact specifications, load requirements and project documentation, contact Fiberline before the final bridge design is approved.
What is a full FRP bridge?
A full FRP bridge is a bridge where the main structure, deck and railings are made primarily from Fibre Reinforced Polymer. Steel is typically only used for selected connection parts such as bolts, nuts and washers.
What is a full FRP bridge used for?
Full FRP bridges are typically used for pedestrian bridges, cycle bridges, walking bridges and access bridges. They are especially relevant in environments where low weight, corrosion resistance and low maintenance are important.
How far can a full FRP bridge span?
Full FRP bridges can be configured and built up to a span of 20 metres using the standard profile programme. Spans up to 10 metres are possible with a girder substructure, while spans above 10 metres require trusses.
Is a full FRP bridge suitable for coastal or wet environments?
Yes, FRP is often relevant in coastal, wet and exposed environments because it does not rust or rot. The final specification should always be assessed against the actual environment, load requirements and project documentation.
What is the difference between a full FRP bridge and a hybrid bridge?
A full FRP bridge uses FRP for the main bridge structure, deck and railings. A hybrid bridge combines FRP with other materials such as steel, wood or concrete, often using FRP for the bridge deck or exposed components.
Does a full FRP bridge require much maintenance?
A full FRP bridge typically has low maintenance needs because FRP is resistant to corrosion and rot. Inspection and maintenance planning should still follow the project requirements, local standards and Fiberline’s documentation.
Can Fiberline help with documentation for a full FRP bridge?
Yes, Fiberline can provide relevant documentation and guidance for professional bridge projects. Contact Fiberline for project specific specifications, certifications and technical input.
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