About Fiberglass Bridges
Composite materials have substantial advantages over traditional materials. E.T. Techtonics has developed the PRESTEK® System to maximize the design and construction advantages of building with composite materials.
The PRESTEK® System is built using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) components that are manufactured by the pultrusion process. These high-strength FRP materials provide the bridge system with a strength-to-weight ratio greater than steel, offering significant design and erection advantages over traditional materials.
- High Strength
Standard FRP components have strengths that range between 30,000 psi and 100,000 psi. Post-tensioned systems include Kevlar cables that have strengths approaching 400,000 psi. -
Light Weight
The components are easily carried because a typical member weighs less than 90 lbs. No longer are bridge sites inaccessible! Bridge spans can be erected in almost any location. - Component Construction
Bridge spans are usually shipped in component parts, which can be easily carried to the site. Bridges can also be shipped partially assembled or fully assembled depending on your site or project requirements. Most spans can be built by hand, without need for heavy construction equipment or helicopter lifts. - Easy Installation
Unassembled and partially assembled bridge spans are designed for quick and easy installation using standard hand tools. A customized assembly package is provided with every PRESTEK® bridge recommending an installation approach to your project. A typical bridge spanning less than 50’-0” can usually be installed by three people in less than a day. Longer spans usually require additional workers and 2 to 3 days depending on the span length of the bridge and site conditions. - Low Maintenance
FRP excels in harsh environments that will quickly deteriorate more traditional materials. Wet locations, termites, salt, and most chemical environments have little or no effect on the material. FRP composites are electrically non-conductive and easy to clean. - Attractive Appearance
The bridge system can be specified in any color. The color is already in the composite, so it does not require any painting. For park and trail applications, olive green is recommended as it blends into the landscape. For industrial sites, gray and/or safety yellow are the standard colors.
Each project is custom-engineered with signed/sealed CAD drawings and a complete finite element analysis (FEA). Once approved, we provide shipment of the bridge system to your site within 60 days. The PRESTEK® System is backed by 20 years of laboratory and field tests as well as ongoing materials research. Our FRP/Kevlar testing program has received support from many sources that include the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).