July 1, 2011
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Fort Bragg, N.C. — A joint ERDC Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory team of researchers to include Rich Lampo, Jim Wilcoski, Vince Hock, and Henry Diaz-Alvarez, along with partners at Rutgers
University, Axion International, and McLaren Engineering, were selected to receive a 2011 R&D 100 Award from R&D Magazinefor the "All Thermoplastic Composite, I-Beam Design, High-Capacity Bridge System." The bridge is constructed of recycled post-consumer plastic and scrap automotive bumpers, and it is strong enough to carry vehicles weighing up to 88 tons. It can be used in almost any situation where a chemically-treated wood timber bridge would traditionally be used. It inherently resists rot and insects and has virtually no maintenance requirements, which makes it especially suitable for use in remote areas.
At Fort Bragg, N.C., the thermoplastic bridges are significantly reducing the distance for heavy fighting vehicles to travel to and from remote training areas; thereby, saving fuel, reducing emissions, and increasing Soldier productivity.
The bridge supports sustainability goals by diverting waste plastics from landfills and providing a strong market for consumer recyclables. The first thermoplastic bridge constructed diverted 85,000 pounds of waste plastics from the landfill, or about 550,000 one-gallon plastic milk jugs.