Fort Eustis to Use Recycled Structural Composite for Bridges
Axion International Holdings, Inc. has announced that demolition has begun of the current structures at the Fort Eustis Army Transportation Corp. military base in Virginia in order to replace those spans with two new railroad bridges made almost entirely from Axion’s 100 percent recycled plastic structural products.
The U.S. Army commissioned these bridges last year, and construction is expected to last four months. Axion is providing all parts for the two Recycled Structural Composite bridges, including pilings, I-beams for pile caps and main girders, and crossties/curbing.
“We are pleased to announce the Fort Eustis project is under way as we demolish the existing wood spans and make way for two new bridges utilizing our patented thermoplastic technology,” stated Axion Chief Executive Officer Jim Kerstein. “Being the first known structures of this kind able to support 130 tons is a milestone achievement considering the main components of these bridges are made entirely from 100 percent recycled consumer and industrial plastic. In fact, the only non-recycled plastic components of these bridges will be the steel connectors holding our Axion parts together and the rubber bearing pads that provide cushion between the main girders and pile caps.”
The new short span bridges will extend approximately 40 feet and 80 feet respectively. Each of these bridges are designed to achieve a high-load rating of 130 tons (260,000 pounds) in order to transport locomotives and freight traffic for military movement and base exercises and achieve a Cooper E60 Rating.
The design and engineering work is being supported by Virginia-based Centennial Contractors Enterprises, the prime job order contractor for the project, and Parsons Brinckerhoff. The demolition and construction activities are being performed by English Construction Company, Inc.
Developed in conjunction with scientists at Rutgers University, Axion’s cutting edge technology has resulted in virtually 100 percent recycled plastic materials that are the first known structural products of their kind that can support heavy loads.