A hybrid bridge consists of several materials and is designed to utilise their different properties. Our hybrid bridge with fibreglass will typically consist of designs with a steel beam substructure and fibreglass bridge deck. Here, we utilise the rigidity of the steel to create long spans, and the durability of the fibreglass to create a corrosion-free and anti-slip bridge deck. However, it is also possible to design a construction with other materials, e.g. a substructure in reinforced concrete, aluminium or wood as well as with different types of anchoring.
Is weight an issue? If so, then the solution is fibreglass, which thanks to a density that is lower than steel (just 1/4), lets you save on the total weight of the bridge.
Illustration
Hybrid bridge, with main girders from IPE steel profiles. Drawings shown HD Plank with anti-skid surface. Railing are also made from Fiberline structural profiles.
1. Type 1 handrail system
2. IPE steel girders
3. Steel bolts for fastening the handrail system
4. Steel angle brackets for attaching handrail system to steel girders
5. Bolts for attaching angle bracket
6. HD Plank with anti-skid surface
7. Steel crossbeams, to be places according to load table or calculation
8. Coupling Clip, item no 149104
8a Alternatively an M8 bolt with washers can be used
9. HD Clip, item no 149100 for mounting planks to sub structure
9a HD Clamp, item no 149102 clamming planks to sub structure
9b Clip-design for maximum clamping power
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.
The advantages of a hybrid bridge will naturally vary depending on the materials you choose to use. When you choose fibreglass, you avoid rust and rot and you get a low maintenance bridge deck or minimal maintenance bridge deck that needs fewer inspections and with fewer associated costs. This advantage is particularly evident if the site of the bridge is near the coast or in a humid area or if it is in a location where there is a particularly high risk of corrosion.
The clear advantages of a hybrid bridge with fibreglass are:
We offer a full 6x2 meter FRP bridge solution on our website. Pre-drilled and cut to size. Ready for you to assemble.
A hybrid bridge with fibreglass is relevant when the project requires low weight, corrosion resistance and reduced maintenance in exposed bridge components.
The hybrid bridge is well-suited for natural areas where you want to use wood, e.g. as a substructure, but also want a high level of safety and a durable solution with a long life. See how Ikast-Brande Municipality solved this challenge with a hybrid bridge in a scenic area
If you need long spans, our hybrid bridges often consist of a substructure with steel beams, after which our fibreglass planks are installed for a safe, corrosion-free bridge deck. Among others, this construction was used for one of Germany’s largest fibreglass bridges. Read more about the case here
Did you know that you can buy a complete fibreglass bridge directly in our online shop? Order a fibreglass bridge here
You can also read more about our other fibreglass bridge solutions here
We have the world’s largest online shop for CE-marked fibreglass profiles and fibreglass planks. This allows for numerous possibilities when designing a hybrid bridge. Explore the shop and order today
If you need to talk about the structure of cost in connection with your next bridge, contact our bridge experts. They areon hand to help you with your next project – contact us
A full fibreglass bridge and a hybrid bridge can both be strong options, but they solve different project challenges. The right choice depends on span, load requirements, installation conditions, environment and the long term maintenance strategy for the bridge.
A full fibreglass bridge is often relevant when low weight, corrosion resistance and simple installation are central to the project. In this type of bridge, fibreglass is used for the main bridge structure, deck and railings. This can be a good fit for pedestrian bridges, cycle bridges and access bridges where the project team wants a lightweight, low maintenance solution with good resistance to weather, moisture and corrosion.
A hybrid bridge is often relevant when the project needs the stiffness or span capacity of a steel, wood or concrete substructure, combined with the durability of fibreglass in the exposed parts of the bridge. In many hybrid designs, fibreglass is used for the bridge deck, handrails or railings, where corrosion resistance and reduced maintenance can add long term value.
| Project need | Full fibreglass bridge | Hybrid bridge with fibreglass |
| Low total weight | Strong fit when the full structure should be lightweight | Strong fit when weight reduction is needed in selected components |
| Long spans or high stiffness requirements | May be relevant depending on design and calculation | Often relevant when steel, wood or concrete is needed for the substructure |
| Bridge deck renovation | Relevant in selected replacement projects | Often relevant when the existing substructure can be retained |
| Corrosion exposed areas | Strong fit for wet, coastal and exposed environments | Strong fit for decks, railings and handrails exposed to weather and moisture |
| Installation in hard to access areas | Strong fit due to low weight and practical handling | Relevant when selected fibreglass components simplify installation |
| Design flexibility | Relevant for standardised fibreglass bridge concepts | Relevant when several materials must work together in one structure |
As a rule of thumb, choose a full fibreglass bridge when the project benefits from a complete lightweight and corrosion resistant bridge structure. Choose a hybrid bridge when the project needs another material for the main substructure, but still benefits from fibreglass in the bridge deck, railings or other exposed components.
Fiberline can support your project team with guidance on both full fibreglass bridges and hybrid bridge solutions. Contact Fiberline for project specific documentation, specifications and input on the best solution for your bridge design. Fiberline’s bridge material describes both full FRP bridges and hybrid bridge designs as relevant options, depending on span, structure and application.
At Fiberline Building Profiles, you get a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative for your next bridge solution. We have more than 40 years’ experience with fibreglass and took part in the construction of Scandinavia’s first fibreglass bridge in 1997. It still stands as it was built, a testimony to the advantages of fiberglass in bridge-building. Our service can include design, calculations, working as well as assembly and installation.
Do you want to learn about fibreglass as a material and how we can use the production method called “pultrusion” to reproduce the same high quality every single time? Read more here
You can also read more about our approach to the environment and quality or watch a video about our company
At Fiberline Building Profiles we love to inspire others to make strong, durable and cost-effective solutions. For this reason, we have compiled plenty of inspirational material about uses and industries
We have also developed a number of standard solutions, where our GRP-products are widely used .
Contact Fiberline for guidance on fibreglass bridge decks, profiles, railings and documentation. We can help your project team assess whether a full fibreglass bridge or a hybrid bridge solution is the right fit for your span, load, environment and maintenance strategy.
What is a hybrid bridge with fibreglass?
A hybrid bridge with fibreglass combines fibreglass components with materials such as steel, wood, concrete or aluminium. Fibreglass is often used for the bridge deck, railing or handrail, where low weight and corrosion resistance add value.
When is a hybrid bridge better than a full fibreglass bridge?
A hybrid bridge can be relevant when the project needs the stiffness or span capacity of another substructure, while still benefiting from fibreglass in exposed components. The right design depends on span, load, environment and maintenance requirements.
Can fibreglass be used for bridge deck renovation?
Yes, fibreglass planks can be used in bridge deck renovation where the existing substructure is retained. This can be relevant when a lightweight, corrosion resistant deck material is needed.
Which materials can be combined with fibreglass in a hybrid bridge?
Fibreglass can be combined with steel, wood, concrete or aluminium, depending on the structural design. The combination should always be assessed by a qualified engineer.
Does Fiberline provide documentation for hybrid bridge projects?
Yes, Fiberline can provide relevant product documentation, certifications and guidance for professional bridge projects. Contact Fiberline for project specific specifications and documentation.
