This City of Rotterdam is Replacing Old Bridges with New Plastic Ones
Katherine Pendrill — March 23, 2016 — Eco
References: fastcoexist
The Dutch city of Rotterdam is currently embarking on an initiative that involves installing plastic bridges throughout the city. While Rotterdam has already made headlines for its roads made from recycled plastic, now the city is looking for ways to use the material to solve a different infrastructure issue.
The new project involves replacing the city's worn out bridges with plastic instead of concrete, wood or steel. The new bridges are made from a fiber-reinforced polymer material that is lightweight and easy to assemble. As a result, the plastic bridges can be built in just one day instead of the three weeks it takes to assemble a wood or steel bridge. Plastic also takes less energy to produce than steel or concrete, making it an eco-friendly option. Additionally, the fact that the plastic bridges can last up to 100 years instead of just 25 to 30 reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
The new initiative demonstrates how cities can tackle the issue of aging infrastructure by turning to unconventional building materials.
The new project involves replacing the city's worn out bridges with plastic instead of concrete, wood or steel. The new bridges are made from a fiber-reinforced polymer material that is lightweight and easy to assemble. As a result, the plastic bridges can be built in just one day instead of the three weeks it takes to assemble a wood or steel bridge. Plastic also takes less energy to produce than steel or concrete, making it an eco-friendly option. Additionally, the fact that the plastic bridges can last up to 100 years instead of just 25 to 30 reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
The new initiative demonstrates how cities can tackle the issue of aging infrastructure by turning to unconventional building materials.
Trend Themes
1. Plastic Infrastructure - The rise of plastic infrastructure is an opportunity to disrupt the traditional materials used for infrastructure building.
2. Fast-building Structures - Easy-to-assemble plastic bridges offer an opportunity for innovating rapid construction.
3. Eco-friendly Infrastructure - The use of recycled plastics in infrastructure presents an opportunity for creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Construction Industry - The construction industry can benefit from exploring and implementing new building materials and techniques such as fiber-reinforced polymers.
2. Plastics Industry - The plastics industry can explore innovative ways to use recycled plastics in order to provide new applications and revenue streams.
3. Infrastructure Industry - The infrastructure industry can explore alternative materials such as plastic in order to enhance longevity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in building and maintaining infrastructure.
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