Composite materials for bridges

Composite materials have begun to enter the infrastructure market for vehicular bridge remediation and pedestrian bridge and walkway construction. Composites have a number of advantages not offered by traditional construction materials. The most relevant to the maintenance of vehicular and pedestrian bridges and related structures is that they do not corrode like metallic and reinforced concrete structure. Composite structures resist wear from road deicing salts, moisture, and environmental effects, so they do not need to be periodically painted or replaced due material loss. They also resist fatigue and have low density and light weight.