SIS StructuralComp® FRP Reinforcement Bar is a durable continuously pultruded FRP reinforcement bar manufactured from vinyl ester resin and E glass fibres to provide a high strength, inert reinforcement bar for use in reinforcement of concrete elements subjected to highly corrosive environments. FRP reinforcement is not corrosive and allows the concrete cover to be minimised which reduces the weight and cost of the concrete elements. When used as a reinforcement system, SIS StructuralComp® FRP is a Glass-Fibre Reinforced Plastic continuously threaded reinforcing mesh which forms a high load-carrying capacity used to provide tensile strength and crack control to structural concrete elements. Advantages of SIS StructuralComp® FRP Reinforcement Bar include light product weight and easy handling, no onsite ‘hot works’, 100-year design life, high tensile and shear strength and it is very economical. Contact us today for a product brochure, product sample or to speak with a product specialist!

In yet another leap forward in composite pedestrian bridge innovation, FiberCore Europe have manufactured a shared use bridge using the InfraCore® Inside technology with a striking semicircular edge for a railway overpass project in The Netherlands. The bridge is 16.4 metres long and 6.5 metres wide and only weights in at 16.5 tonnes and was installed at nighttime in a single lift in less than 1 hour. The huge advantages in off-site pre-fabrication allows for these extraordinary fast installation times, minimises on-site construction risk and provides more reliability in cost predictions. The use of InfraCore® FRP also means that the structures are lightweight, have a very long life span and are largely maintenance free.

In a great step forward for designers, engineers and stakeholders who know the advantages of FRP being used in the infrastructure sector, the CROW-CUR Recommendation 96:2019 Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) in Buildings & Civil Engineering Structures – has recently been released in English. ‘CROW’ is The Netherlands Information and Technology Platform for their Department of Transport, Infrastructure & Public Space. CUR96 Recommendation describes the engineering principles for the design of FRP structures and is available for purchase and download at https://crowplatform.com/product/crow-cur-recommendation-962019/ Please contact SIS directly if you would like a to understand more about the content of this document.

SIS’ manufacturing partner FiberCore Europe passed a huge milestone this month with the opening of the 1000th composite pedestrian bridge manufactured using their unique patented Infracore technology. Built to last more than 100 years and guaranteed for 50 years, Infracore composite footbridges are rapidly becoming the product of choice for decision makers in the infrastructure sector. 1000 bridges is a milestone that SIS has assisted FiberCore Europe in achieving as these revolutionary structures have been shipped to all corners of the globe including #Australia. With each project, FiberCore took a step closer to the recognition of FRP as a building material in infrastructure. Proudly brought to the Nations of Oceania by Sustainable Infrastructure Systems.

UK infrastructure operator Network Rail has entered into a partnership to help take forward the investigation, design and construction of a composite footbridge that it plans building. The concept footbridge was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and Cowi and is called ‘Futura’. It is being developed into a prototype to demonstrate the benefits that can be gained from using composites in railway station environments for both new build and replacement structures. “We’re delighted to be working on this ground-breaking project with Network Rail, and that they have joined us as a member,” said NCC chief executive Richard Oldfield. “There is clear alignment between the long-term strategic goals of the two organisations – namely to accelerate the adoption of composites in construction and to support the UK’s supply chain development to achieve the government’s Construction 2025 strategy. Composites offer huge benefits to construction, not least in their ability to be built using modern methods, as well as the cost-effective nature of their construction and installation. They are a more sustainable solution, which will contribute to net-zero targets across the industry, and are an intrinsically safer and more aesthetically pleasing option.” Ian Grimes, principal engineer from Network Rail, added: “Our main focus is on putting our passengers first and exploring the full potential of composites as an alternative low-carbon construction material will enable us to continue doing this. “The quicker installation and the corrosion resistant nature of composites will mean less disruption and impact on passengers when we’re installing and maintaining our assets. This offers further environmental benefits alongside cost savings which can then be reinvested into other parts of the network.” SIS looks forward to partnering with all of Australia and New Zealand’s rail industry participants as we bring the manufacturing of FiberCore Europe’s patented composite FRP bridge technology to Australia and the wider Oceania region.

SIS congratulates all parties involved in this groundbreaking project to design and manufacture the wind power industry’s first 100% recyclable wind turbine blade. The consortia named ‘ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) Project’, is driven by IRT Jules Verne, brings together industrial companies and technological centers (Arkema, CANOE, ENGIE, Suez, LM Wind Power, Owens Corning). Wind energy, both onshore and offshore, plays a critical role in the transition to carbon-free energy sources. With a product lifespan of 30 years and a wind turbine recyclability rate of 85% to 90%, the wind power industry is now looking to close the remaining gap by designing and manufacturing the first 100% recyclable wind turbine blade. Torben K. Jacobsen, Senior Director Advanced Technology Systems, LM Wind Power, stated: ”As a key player in the transition to affordable, renewable energy sources across the world, the wind power industry works actively to develop new materials with higher performance, longer lifespan and recyclable properties. Using Elium resin, combined with design, manufacturing and recycling process optimization, constitutes an opportunity to reduce cost, production time and environmental impact of wind turbine blades. We are thrilled to be a launching partner for a truly recyclable blade for future wind turbines, leading the way to a sustainable world that works for generations to come.”