According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2011 143,899 bridges were either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, with a surface area exceeding 89 million square meters. The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2009 report states that while $10.5 billion is spent annually on the construction and maintenance of bridges, a $17 billion annual investment is needed to substantially improve current bridge conditions.
Recently, AXION International Holdings, Inc. announced its participation in the official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 29th for a bridge in Logan County, OH made of AXION's STRUXURE? 100% recycled infrastructure building products. AXION is a leader in recycled plastic and plastic composite technologies used to produce its ECOTRAX? rail ties and STRUXURE? building products.
Durable, with Long Life Span
Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman reportedly stated that durability and an expected life span of over 50 years weighed into the decision to use STRUXURE? as well as the environmental benefits of using 100% recycled materials. Logan County has a goal of being a zero-waste county by 2020. Materials used to make STRUXURE? include 80% post-consumer plastics such as detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, and milk jugs; 20% is comprised of car bumpers and dashboards.
The 24.6 ft Onion Ditch Bridge is the longest span made from 100% recycled plastic materials in North America and is only the second bridge of its kind on a public road, following one built using STRUXURE? in York, ME. In addition, the St. Lawrence County Dept. of Highways in upstate New York has purchased STRUXURE? to repair and restore bridges.
Military Track Record
Other tank and railroad bridges have been built using STRUXURE? on domestic military bases supporting heavy loads like 70+ ton tanks and 120+ ton railroad locomotives. AXION bridge systems like the one in Ohio that span 15 to 25 ft lengths are competitive with traditional building products when considering long-term maintenance over the life of the structure.
Reportedly, 80% of the cost of the Onion Ditch Bridge was paid for by the Federal Innovative Bridge Research and Deployment Program, which provides funding for projects that demonstrate innovative accelerated bridge design and construction technology, and the application of innovative material technology.
"It was rewarding to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Onion Ditch Bridge," stated Dave Crane, AXION's Executive Vice President of Building Products. "AXION supplied our STRUXURE? infrastructure building materials and we consulted on the engineering of the bridge as well. We are very confident of the performance and value STRUXURE? products deliver. For years, 70-ton tanks have been driving over a similar STRUXURE? bridge on a U.S. army base."
"Advancements in technology are creating new economics and feasibility around recycled building materials," added AXION president and CEO Steve Silverman. "We are seeing increased adoption of our high performance, proven infrastructure grade building materials that make sense for communities both financially and environmentally."
STRUXURE? Bridges are engineered from AXION's patented, 100%-recycled plastic formulation. Because the recycled structural composite material is inert, STRUXURE? Bridges will not rot or absorb moisture, and they are impervious to insect infestation, making them ideal in harsh environments. Because of their durability and low maintenance, they are an excellent cost-effective, long-term solution in bridge applications, boardwalks, short-span vehicular bridges, and multi-span superstructures.
