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Structural rail road ties from thermoplastic recyclates have
been in existence over a couple of years. Polymer scientists have
been developing newer applications of recyclates, such as telephone
utility poles and several highway products.
Rutgers University of New Jersey, USA in collaboration with Polywood
Inc., have developed a 15 feet wide and 46 feet long bridge weighing
almost 14 MT using I-Beams and decking profiles made from recyclate
material. This recyclate contained 65% HDPE waste derived from milk
jugs and 35% of PS derived from peanut packing material .
The composite can withstand more than 200 kg/cm2
of force, enough to support a truck on the bridge. This bridge has
been constructed in November 2002 on Mullica river in the forest
located in the Southern New Jersey.
The I Beams used in the bridge have been produced by 'Intrusion
Moulding', a form of extrusion in which the extruder discharges
molten material into a series of moulds.
The bridge, a new example of increasing usage of recyclates in
civil construction, is expected to enjoy a longer life compared
to wood, since it would not chip or rot.
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