Axion Begins Construction on Landmark Railway Bridges Made from Recycled Plastic
Axion International Holdings, today (28-01-10) announced that demolition has begun of the current structures at the Ft. Eustis Army Transportation Corp. military base in Virginia (USA) in order to replace those spans with two new railroad bridges made almost entirely from Axion's 100% recycled plastic structural products.
The US 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 (RSC) bridges, including pilings, I-beams for pile caps and main girders, and crossties/curbing. All parts of the bridges will be made from Axion products except the steel fasteners and bolts.
“We are pleased to announce the Ft. Eustis project is underway as we demolish the existing wood spans and make way for two new bridges utilizing our patented thermoplastic technology,” stated Axion CEO, 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% 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.”
Jim Kerstein went on to say, “By utilizing recycled plastic, not only will these bridges not rot, rust or corrode like traditional building materials, they will also help divert literally tons of recycled products that would normally be destined for landfills. This includes household items such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and car bumpers.”
The new Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) bridges will replace two wooden bridges that have been taken out of service and they will be completed faster and less expensively than could have been achieved using wood, steel or concrete. 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 in order to transport locomotives and freight traffic for military movement and base exercises and achieve a Cooper E60 Rating.
Developed in conjunction with scientists at Rutgers University, Axion’s cutting edge technology has resulted in virtually 100% recycled plastic materials, Recycled Structural Composites (RSCs) that are the first known structural products of their kind that can support heavy loads. Compared to traditional infrastructure materials such as wood, steel or concrete, Axion's innovative products are more durable and significantly longer lasting.
Source: Business Wire (January 28, 2010)
