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Hybrid Composite Beam (HCB) Technology

The HCB is comprised of three main subcomponents – an FRP shell, compression reinforcement and tension reinforcement. The compression reinforcement consists of concrete that is pumped into an arch conduit within the beam shell. The tension reinforcement consists of high-strength steel strands that run along the bottom flanges of the beam shell. All of this is encapsulated in a fiber reinforced plastic shell protecting the beam from salt corrosion and providing added structural capacity. The HCB provides for an environmentally sensitive bridge solution having extended service life with minimal or no maintenance. Twelve years of research have been invested in the development of the HCB to make this a viable technology.

                                                                                 

SUSTAINABLE

  • 100+ Year Service Life
  • Maintenance Free
  • No Painting
  • No Spalling

LIGHTWEIGHT

  • HCB shipping and erecting weight is 10% of a concrete beam
    and 33% of a steel beam (for a typical 70’ span)
  • HCB weight after filling is 33% of a concrete beam and same
    weight as a steel beam (for a typical 70’ span)
  • Lighter weight greatly reduces shipping and erection costs
  • Lighter weight reduces cost of supporting substructures

REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT

  • Shipping multiple beams on a single trailer significantly reduces
    carbon emissions
  • Smaller crane for erection of beams significantly reduces
    carbon emissions
  • HCB uses 20% of Portland cement compared to concrete
    beam.

EXCESS CAPACITY

  • HCB design is governed by serviceability criteria (deflections).
  • HCB can be overloaded by 4 times legal load and remain
    elastic (i.e. no permanent damage)
  • HCB will not sustain damage from illegally overloaded vehicles
    that damage concrete and steel beams.

INFINITE FATIGUE LIFE

  • Since HCB is governed by serviceability criteria, live load stress
    range is very low
  • Infinite fatigue life in HCB is inherent
  • Infinite fatigue life in steel beams is generally cost prohibitive
  • Low stress range is below fatigue cycling threshold

 

Please call Harbor Technologies, LLC for additional information regarding Hybrid Composite Beams.