High performance materials for us highway bridges

More than 30 percent of the 587,815 bridges in the United States are classified as deficient. The Federal Highway Administration is committed to improving mobility on the nation's highways by a significant reduction in the number of deficient bridges and a reduction in the time necessary to complete bridge projects. The United States is aggressively developing and utilizing high performance bridge materials including high performance versions of steel and concrete. The US is also experimenting with fiber-reinforced polymer composites that are advantageous where high strength, light weight and resistance to attack from road salts and chemicals are critical or where rapid installation times are paramount. The Innovative Bridge Research & Construction (IBRC) Program champions the use of innovative materials and technologies to repair, rehabilitate or replace bridges. More than 150 projects utilizing innovative materials have been funded.