Creative Composites Group Introduces H-5 Rated FRP Bridge Decking

The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture will invest $2.8 billion this year in critical deferred maintenance projects, transportation improvements and recreation infrastructure for national parks, wildlife refuges and recreation areas. With park visits on the rise, engineers are specifying bridges, boardwalks, sidewalks and trails that can support ambulance and maintenance vehicles. To meet this requirement, Creative Composites Group (CCG) has introduced its new pultruded Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) H-5 SuperDeck Lite deck profile.

The composite manufacturer engineered SuperDeck Lite to AASHTO H-5 standards for uniform live loads and vehicles weighing 10,000 lbs. [8,000 lb. and 2,000 lb. axles with a minimum 72-in. wheel base]. Produced in the U.S. at an ISO 9001:2015 compliant facility, SuperDeck Lite is corrosion and rot-resistant, environmentally sustainable and offers the lowest lifetime cost of ownership. Easy to carry, drill and cut, SuperDeck Lite pultruded deck profiles are significantly lighter than newly treated lumber and offer fast installation in remote areas. CCG also developed deck attachments for top down construction or for blind-bolted connections.

“Traditionally, park trail bridges and pedestrian access structures have used treated timber decks,” says Dustin Troutman, director of product development for CCG. “Agencies are telling us that they are only getting about 10 years of performance life out of treated lumber. It’s difficult to assess the structural integrity of wood decking for supporting a 10,000 lb. vehicle as it ages and begins to rot and decay. A large number of national parks don’t want to use treated wood because the preservatives leach into the environment.”

SuperDeck Lite is available in standard isophthalic polyester and vinyl ester resin systems with a fire retardant option. Aesthetically pleasing, the product is designed to blend with its surroundings and is available in slate gray, olive green and beige. An ADA-compliant anti-skid surface enhances safety.