A bridge drainage system is typically one of the last tasks to be completed during a new bridge build project, but it is essential to the health of the structure. The ability for DOT’s to effectively remove water from the surface of a bridge reduces the risk of hydroplaning and helps to protect motorists. The right bridge drainage system helps preserve the structural integrity, prevents water staining and reduces erosion on bridge slopes. A Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridge drainage system minimizes maintenance costs and extends a structure’s life expectancy.
Material Matters
Steel, concrete and PVC are sometimes used for bridge drainage systems. An FRP bridge draining system is far superior to these other materials. FRP is resistant to salt, acids and other chemicals. It can be installed faster than steel or PVC systems and because FRP is lighter, it is also much easier to handle. Our FRP bridge drain systems feature filament wound composite pipes. Filament winding is a composite fabrication process that uses continuous reinforcement fibers impregnated with an engineered resin and wound on a rotating mandrel to create a strong, lightweight, durable composite pipe with a high strength-to-weight ratio. In addition to custom color configurations, this process offers the ability to tailor a product’s strength to specific requirements by varying winding patterns.
The System Approach
United Fiberglass uses modern filament winding manufacturing technologies to provide FRP bridge drainage systems. From bridge deck inserts, hangers, pipes, fittings, elbows, reducers, cleanouts and debris covers, United Fiberglass matches each system component to the bridge and its environment to optimize ease of installation, safety and longevity.
Case Study
Scudder Falls Toll Bridge spans the Delaware River, connecting Ewing, New Jersey, and Makefield, Pennsylvania. In 2017, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) launched a 5-year replacement project to make major updates to the structure to alleviate traffic congestion and upgrade safety and traffic conditions for commuters. A total of 2,800 ft. of fiberglass pipe in diameters of 10 in. up to 18 in. was custom-fitted to the bridge’s new dual seven-span superstructures. A 2023 annual inspection report for the bridge was accepted by the DRJTBC in January 2024. The superstructure and substructure were found to be in overall excellent condition.
