FRP bridge decks comprise sandwich profiles, spanning transversely or longitudinally between
supporting elements (such as steel beams) or suspended from tension cables. Several variants have been developed. Most comprise pultruded multi-cell sections which have been glued or bolted together to form a compound structure. For example:

• ACCS system (Advanced Composites Construction System) uses pultruded multi-cell box section with connecting toggles and gluing
• Superdeck system uses bridge truss sections with hexagonal shear keys
• ASSET system (Advanced Structural System for Tomorrow’s infrastructure) uses a two-cell
  prismatic profile.

Bridge decks are usually constructed from pultruded glass fibre reinforced polyester or vinylester sections, although some types are hand-laminated. Decks are prefabricated and craned onto bearings as a single unit leading to considerable savings in installation time. Principal advantages of this construction method are improved durability and lightness. The biggest deck spans are up to 10m. Designs capable of carrying 40 tonne loads are possible. The wear surface or top surface is usually polymer concrete (often applied before installation) and asphalt.

Reasons for choosing FRP materials:

• Lower installation costs as a result of prefabrication and lightness of elements
• Lower through life cost, higher durability and reduced maintenance requirements.
• In refurbishment projects, the ability to use existing support structures and foundations.
• Efficient section, reduction in use of materials, alternative to steel and reinforced concrete.
• Non-toxic, non-polluting in service
• Reduced installation time results in lower traffic disruption
• Ability to replace decking in heritage bridges, increasing capacity through dead-load reduction,
  whilst conserving the outward appearance.
• Lightweight (replacement decks, heritage bridges, lift bridges, cable stayed and suspension
  bridges, swing bridges, increasing capacity, decrease in foundation loads)
• Lightweight - ease and speed of handling, cranage and transport leading to lower disruption and reduced need to curtail traffic etc. and allows use lower capacity lifting gear.
• Speed of installation (eg concrete curing) leading to reduced disruption, through road closures
  etc.
• Durability - waterproof and corrosion resistant (eg from de-icing salts)
• Freeze-thaw resistant
• Ability to accommodate service conduits.