Composites reinvent infrastructure
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to evolve the way we approach infrastructure projects.
![collage showcasing composites used in infrastructure projects](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/cw/2024-cw/082224-cw-ncw-infrastructure.png;maxWidth=720)
Source | NREL; Creative Composites Group; Sireg Geotech; RPC Technologies
In the realm of infrastructure development, the unique properties of composite materials — such as durability, lightweight and environmental sustainability — make them an increasingly attractive option for modern construction.
One of the most significant advantages of composite materials in infrastructure is their exceptional durability. Traditional materials like steel and concrete are prone to corrosion and degradation over time, particularly in harsh environments. Composites, on the other hand, are highly resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and weathering. This resistance significantly extends the lifespan of structures, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.
The lightweight nature of composite materials translates into numerous advantages for infrastructure applications. Despite being significantly lighter than traditional materials, composites can offer comparable or even superior strength. This weight-to-strength ratio is particularly beneficial in infrastructure projects where reducing weight can lead to cost savings in transportation, installation and support structures. For example, composite materials are being used in the construction of modular buildings, where their lightweight properties facilitate easier transportation and assembly.
While the initial cost of composite materials may be higher than that of traditional materials, there is evidence for their long-term economic benefits. The reduced need for maintenance, longer lifespan, and potential for modular construction contribute to significant cost savings over time. For instance, in the case of bridge construction, the use of composites can lead to reduced maintenance costs and extended service life, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.
For National Composites Week, CW is providing daily roundups starring some of the prominent end markets in which composite materials greatly contribute. Each roundup comprises relevant published content to explore and read.
Note: Below covers only 2023-2024 articles for these topics. For other related content (including news and products), please visit CW’s markets page.
Wind energy
CW Talks discusses Ford Motor Company’s involvement with the EMPHASIZING project, a UK consortium working to develop a material from recycled glass fiber with mechanical properties superior to virgin glass.
Research enables successful automation in post-molding manufacturing operations, which could lead to more competitive U.S.-based blade manufacturing.
Utility
EasyStreet Systems is working with Exel Composites to develop and certify pull-wound fiberglass utility poles aimed at durable, lightweight poles for 5G small cell systems.
Metromont’s C-GRID-reinforced insulated precast concrete’s high strength, durability, light weight and ease of installation improve data center performance, construction time and sustainability.
Texas-based Champion Fiberglass, a five-time CW Top Shops honoree, expands its success in the fiberglass composite conduit market into new applications and products, looking toward future automation and sustainability initiatives.
Related Content
Recycling end-of-life composite parts: New methods, markets
From infrastructure solutions to consumer products, Polish recycler Anmet and Netherlands-based researchers are developing new methods for repurposing wind turbine blades and other composite parts.
Read MoreNovel composite technology replaces welded joints in tubular structures
The Tree Composites TC-joint replaces traditional welding in jacket foundations for offshore wind turbine generator applications, advancing the world’s quest for fast, sustainable energy deployment.
Read MoreCreative Composites Group introduces product upgrades to combat extreme weather, climate change
New StormStrong FRP technologies are engineered for key infrastructure projects that need to exceed standard resiliency specifications.
Read MoreNational manufacturing center for FRP infrastructure opened in Australia
Four-year program between Sustainable Infrastructure Systems, InfraCore leads to internationally certified composite bridge, jetty, wharf, pontoon and lock gate manufacture, research in recycled materials.
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Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.
Read MoreThe next-generation single-aisle: Implications for the composites industry
While the world continues to wait for new single-aisle program announcements from Airbus and Boeing, it’s clear composites will play a role in their fabrication. But in what ways, and what capacity?
Read More“Structured air” TPS safeguards composite structures
Powered by an 85% air/15% pure polyimide aerogel, Blueshift’s novel material system protects structures during transient thermal events from -200°C to beyond 2400°C for rockets, battery boxes and more.
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