Composite Bridges: Frequently Asked Questions | FRP Bridges
Frequently asked questions

Composite bridges: answers to the most common questions

Service life, maintenance, load, installation time and how renewal works. Did not find your answer? Write or call, we are happy to advise.

Basics

What is a composite (FRP) bridge?
FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer) combines glass, carbon or natural fibres with a resin matrix. The result is a lightweight, very strong and durable load-bearing structure.
Who manufactures the bridges?
The bridges are made by FiberCore Europe, a Dutch company based in Rotterdam. Founded in 2007, it has delivered 2,500+ structures, with installations on every continent except Antarctica, using its patented InfraCore® inside technology. FRP Solutions s.r.o. represents FiberCore Europe in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
What types of bridge do you supply?
Pedestrian and cycle bridges, composite road bridges, hybrid structures (steel and composite), the SUREbridge system for renewing older bridges, and composite panels and railings supplied separately.
Do you supply projects outside Slovakia and the Czech Republic?
FRP Solutions is the exclusive FiberCore Europe representative for Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Enquiries from other countries are welcome: we will coordinate the right contact together with FiberCore Europe.

Strength and service life

Is a lightweight bridge strong enough?
Yes. Composite bridges are designed with a high safety factor (often above 10), undergo repeated load testing, absorb a great deal of energy on impact, and their properties remain stable over time.
What is the service life of a composite bridge?
The design life is 100 years without the need for major maintenance.
Does a bridge need maintenance?
Only minimal. The structure does not corrode, needs no repainting or repair, and resists UV radiation, chemicals and moisture. It also suits aggressive environments.
What load can the bridge carry?
Standard pedestrian and cycle bridges are designed for 5 kN/m² (or more on request). Road bridges are designed for 60 kN/m² in line with the Eurocodes.

Delivery

How long does installation take?
The bridge is fabricated under controlled conditions, transported and installed within a few hours. A standard bridge is delivered in days, not months. The cycle bridge in Stavanger (Norway) was installed over an electrified railway in 30 minutes.
What span can be achieved?
We supply pedestrian and cycle bridges with spans of up to 26 metres. Width, colour and finish are adapted to the client’s requirements.
Is the material recyclable?
Yes, the material is recyclable at the end of its life, and no hazardous chemicals are used in production.

Renewal

Can an old bridge be renewed without demolition?
Yes. The SUREbridge system places a composite deck directly on the existing concrete or steel structure. Renewal typically takes about 6 weeks and disrupts traffic only minimally.
What if we only need to renew the surface or the railing?
If the supporting structure stays, we offer solid composite panels (structural depth 20 – 50 mm), FRP composite panels for loads of 5 to 20 kN/m² with an anti-slip coating, and FRP railings 1,100 – 1,300 mm high. Everything can be made to order.

Price and process

How much does a bridge cost?
The price depends on the span, width, load and any special requirements. From your details we prepare a free preliminary study with a recommended bridge type and an indicative price.
Can you help with documents for the designer or for public procurement?
Yes. Based on the preliminary study, we prepare documents for designers or directly for public procurement. After installation we provide service and documentation for the road authority.
How it works

From enquiry to service in four steps

Contact us

Describe the location, the required parameters (span, width) and the type of traffic (pedestrian, cycle, vehicles).

Preliminary study

From your details we prepare a free preliminary study with a recommended bridge type and an indicative price.

Documents

Based on the study, we prepare documents for designers or directly for public procurement.

Service

After installation we provide service and documentation for the road authority.

Request a free preliminary study

Tell us the location, the required span and width, and the type of traffic. We will prepare a recommended bridge type with an indicative price.