Natural fibre-reinforced composite laminates for future pedestrian bridge decks

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly preferred over conventional steel and concrete materials in construction for their lightweight, ease of assembly, corrosion resistance, and lower foundational needs. FRP composite bridge construction is pioneering the adoption of plant-based materials to align with the UK's 2050 net-zero carbon strategy from the 2015 Paris Agreement. This is due to the plants’ ability to retain carbon, supporting climate initiatives under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Consequently, FRP composites have advanced to incorporate natural fibers with synthetic or bio-based resins for constructing footbridges. The effectiveness of these materials is demonstrated in projects like the FLOW pedestrian footbridge by Network Rail in the UK. However, issues with long-term durability and fatigue resistance remain a major concern. Therefore, this project aims to manufacture sustainable, low-cost, first-time, non-woven flax/bio-epoxy composite laminates and assess their manufacturing quality and fatigue performance for future footbridge deck applications.