US firm Axion International will build two heavy duty railroad bridges using nearly 100% recycled plastics at Fort Eustis in the US.
The two bridges, nearly 40ft and 80ft long, will replace the existing old wooden bridges at Fort Eustis and will each support 130t of locomotives and freight traffic for military movement and base exercises.
The company will utilise its patented recycled structural composite technology, which uses 100% recycled consumer and industrial plastics, including two thirds post-consumer polyethylene bottles and one third automotive bumper scrap, to squeeze out I-beams and T-beams designed to replace steel and wood in bridge applications.
The material is eco friendly, non toxic, inert, maintenance free and lasts significantly longer than creosote treated wooden ties, said the company.
The $957,000 contract for the work has been awarded by the US Army.
The bridges’ design and engineering work is being supported by US firms Centennial and Parsons Brinckerhoff.
