Bridge In A Backback

Maine first to use process for stronger bridges (forbes.com, 4/11/2009) describes innovative concrete bridge-forming technology developed at the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center.

Formwork for concrete arches is made from lightweight, composite fabric tubular arches that are prefabricated off-site and then folded up for easy transport. Once on site, the arches are inflated into final shape and then filled with concrete. The fabric tubes, made of a carbon-glass fiber blend coated with resin, become an intergral part of the concrete  structure in the finished construction. Erection of formwork and pouring of the concrete arches can all be accomplished in as little as one day's time.

The Center's own web site provides information on a range of technologies in development, such as composite-reinforced structural wood panels, glulams, and more.