Analysis of applicability of composite materials in supporting constructions of bridges

Abstract

In this paper we substantiated the necessity for application of composite materials in bridge supporting constructions. We listed the disadvantages of traditional materials and advantages of innovative ones. We also considered basic loads and effects on bridge supporting constructions which are to be sustained by structures made from the applied materials. We described the structure of composite materials, methods of manufacturing them as well as the factors influencing the characteristics of constructions made of them. We selected the type of bridge supporting constructions suitable for application of the new materials. We provided the results of experiments under poles made of polymer materials conducted by our foreign colleagues. We presented the information about testing of screw piles made of composite materials.