News

Introducing SIS StructuralComp® FRP Reinforcement Bar

SIS StructuralComp® FRP Reinforcement Bar is a durable continuously pultruded FRP reinforcement bar manufactured from vinyl ester resin and E glass fibres to provide a high strength, inert reinforcement bar for use in reinforcement of concrete elements subjected to highly corrosive environments. FRP reinforcement is not corrosive and allows the concrete cover to be minimised which reduces the weight and cost of the concrete elements. When used as a reinforcement system, SIS StructuralComp® FRP is a Glass-Fibre Reinforced Plastic continuously threaded reinforcing mesh which forms a high load-carrying capacity used to provide tensile strength and crack control to structural concrete elements. Advantages of SIS StructuralComp® FRP Reinforcement Bar include light product weight and easy handling, no onsite ‘hot works’, 100-year design life, high tensile and shear strength and it is very economical. Contact us today for a product brochure, product sample or to speak with a product specialist!

A Unique FRP Shared Use Bridge Demonstrates Versatile Composite Technology

In yet another leap forward in composite pedestrian bridge innovation, FiberCore Europe have manufactured a shared use bridge using the InfraCore® Inside technology with a striking semicircular edge for a railway overpass project in The Netherlands. The bridge is 16.4 metres long and 6.5 metres wide and only weights in at 16.5 tonnes and was installed at nighttime in a single lift in less than 1 hour. The huge advantages in off-site pre-fabrication allows for these extraordinary fast installation times, minimises on-site construction risk and provides more reliability in cost predictions. The use of InfraCore® FRP also means that the structures are lightweight, have a very long life span and are largely maintenance free.

Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) in Buildings & Civil Engineering Structures – Recommendation 96:2019

In a great step forward for designers, engineers and stakeholders who know the advantages of FRP being used in the infrastructure sector, the CROW-CUR Recommendation 96:2019 Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) in Buildings & Civil Engineering Structures – has recently been released in English. ‘CROW’ is The Netherlands Information and Technology Platform for their Department of Transport, Infrastructure & Public Space. CUR96 Recommendation describes the engineering principles for the design of FRP structures and is available for purchase and download at https://crowplatform.com/product/crow-cur-recommendation-962019/ Please contact SIS directly if you would like a to understand more about the content of this document.

SIS Supplier FiberCore Europe Opens 1000th FRP Bridge

SIS’ manufacturing partner FiberCore Europe passed a huge milestone this month with the opening of the 1000th composite pedestrian bridge manufactured using their unique patented Infracore technology. Built to last more than 100 years and guaranteed for 50 years, Infracore composite footbridges are rapidly becoming the product of choice for decision makers in the infrastructure sector. 1000 bridges is a milestone that SIS has assisted FiberCore Europe in achieving as these revolutionary structures have been shipped to all corners of the globe including #Australia. With each project, FiberCore took a step closer to the recognition of FRP as a building material in infrastructure. Proudly brought to the Nations of Oceania by Sustainable Infrastructure Systems.

Rail Sector Embracing FRP Composite Footbridges

UK infrastructure operator Network Rail has entered into a partnership to help take forward the investigation, design and construction of a composite footbridge that it plans building. The concept footbridge was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and Cowi and is called ‘Futura’. It is being developed into a prototype to demonstrate the benefits that can be gained from using composites in railway station environments for both new build and replacement structures. “We’re delighted to be working on this ground-breaking project with Network Rail, and that they have joined us as a member,” said NCC chief executive Richard Oldfield. “There is clear alignment between the long-term strategic goals of the two organisations – namely to accelerate the adoption of composites in construction and to support the UK’s supply chain development to achieve the government’s Construction 2025 strategy. Composites offer huge benefits to construction, not least in their ability to be built using modern methods, as well as the cost-effective nature of their construction and installation. They are a more sustainable solution, which will contribute to net-zero targets across the industry, and are an intrinsically safer and more aesthetically pleasing option.” Ian Grimes, principal engineer from Network Rail, added: “Our main focus is on putting our passengers first and exploring the full potential of composites as an alternative low-carbon construction material will enable us to continue doing this. “The quicker installation and the corrosion resistant nature of composites will mean less disruption and impact on passengers when we’re installing and maintaining our assets. This offers further environmental benefits alongside cost savings which can then be reinvested into other parts of the network.” SIS looks forward to partnering with all of Australia and New Zealand’s rail industry participants as we bring the manufacturing of FiberCore Europe’s patented composite FRP bridge technology to Australia and the wider Oceania region.

SIS Congratulates ZEBRA Consortia on the Development of 100% Recyclable Composite Wind Turbine Blades

SIS congratulates all parties involved in this groundbreaking project to design and manufacture the wind power industry’s first 100% recyclable wind turbine blade. The consortia named ‘ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) Project’, is driven by IRT Jules Verne, brings together industrial companies and technological centers (Arkema, CANOE, ENGIE, Suez, LM Wind Power, Owens Corning). Wind energy, both onshore and offshore, plays a critical role in the transition to carbon-free energy sources. With a product lifespan of 30 years and a wind turbine recyclability rate of 85% to 90%, the wind power industry is now looking to close the remaining gap by designing and manufacturing the first 100% recyclable wind turbine blade. Torben K. Jacobsen, Senior Director Advanced Technology Systems, LM Wind Power, stated: ”As a key player in the transition to affordable, renewable energy sources across the world, the wind power industry works actively to develop new materials with higher performance, longer lifespan and recyclable properties. Using Elium resin, combined with design, manufacturing and recycling process optimization, constitutes an opportunity to reduce cost, production time and environmental impact of wind turbine blades. We are thrilled to be a launching partner for a truly recyclable blade for future wind turbines, leading the way to a sustainable world that works for generations to come.”

SIS InfraCore® Technology used in Composite Ship Hulls

SIS InfraCore® Technology used in Composite Ship Hulls

The patented InfraCore® technology that is key to our FiberCore single element large span composite bridges is now being trialed in The Netherlands for use in full composite ship hulls.

There are numerous benefits to composite shipbuilding and its contributions towards greater maritime efficiency and sustainability. A composite vessel would weigh up to 40 percent less than a steel equivalent which would contribute to a considerable reduction in both fuel consumption of up to 25 percent as well as reductions of harmful emissions.

“The use of composites for larger ships has significant advantages for the entire design of the ship,” says Marcel Elenbaas, senior engineer at Research & Technology Support at ship builder DSNS. “If it is lighter, a vessel uses less fuel and produces lower emissions. The vessel also requires smaller engines, which means more space for additional systems, making for a more versatile platform, and of course, composites require considerably less maintenance than a steel vessel. We have the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness and viability of large-scale composite shipbuilding.”

SIS and our European partners remain at the forefront of innovation in composite technology and remain true to our ethos of creating a more sustainable world.

SIS Mazi® WPC Decking – Darwin Turf Club, Northern Territory, Australia

SIS Mazi® WPC Decking – Darwin Turf Club

 

SIS supplied roughly 700 square metres of our entrenched market leading Mazi® Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Decking as part of the multi-million dollar project to construct the Fannie Bay Racing and Sports Club (Silks), a standalone sports venue located at the entrance to the racecourse of the Darwin Turf Club in the Northern Territory, Australia.

 

For over a decade, we have been supplying this world leading product to customers all over Australia from the Snowy Mountains to the harshest of environments to the iron ore mining camps of the Pilbara region in Western Australia. SIS Mazi® WPC Decking will not rot, splinter or crack and is termite proof and with a guarantee of 25 years, brings piece of mind to all stakeholders.

 

If you would like to discuss your project or receive a product sample, please email service@sisau.com.au or call 1300 261 074 in Australia or +61 8 7007 0441 from overseas.

 

 

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope #FRP

Northrop Grumman and teammate ATK have completed manufacturing of the backplane support frame (BSF) for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Northrop Grumman is under contract to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., for the design and development of the Webb Telescope’s optics, sunshield and spacecraft.

When combined with the centre section and wings, the support frame will form the primary mirror backplane support structure, the stable platform that holds the telescope’s beryllium mirrors, instruments and other elements. It holds the 18-segment, 21-foot-diameter primary mirror nearly motionless while the telescope is peering into deep space. The backplane support frame is the backbone of the observatory, is the primary load carrying structure for launch, and holds the science instruments.

Living in Sustainable Cities of the Future

Masdar City, United Arab Emirates – This gleaming example of sustainable urban living just 17km east of Abu Dhabi is currently more university and business campus than metropolis, but when Masdar City is complete in 2025, it will be home to 40,000 residents and 50,000 commuters. The city’s master plan, designed by the architects Foster + Partners, put roads underground (and bans cars that use petrol), allowing for very narrow pedestrian streets that capture and funnel the breezes, aided and shaded by thick city walls, a technique Arab builders have used for centuries. The city’s modern elements come in the renewable energy and clean tech sources being developed at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, which currently houses 250 students on campus. The city is completely powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, and the buildings are being constructed with recycled materials, including steel and aluminium. Energy and potable water demands have been reduced by more than 50%, using a quarter of the energy of a conventional city the same size. “We are addressing social, economic and environmental sustainability and also making sure it’s affordable,” said Omar Zaafrani, communications manager for Masdar City. The building that houses both the Masdar and International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters will have stores and restaurants in addition to office space, powered by 1,000sqm of photovoltaic panels. While no residential buildings beyond dormitories have been built, they are in the works. “There are various residential plots around the city, and over the coming years they will be tendered out to global architects,” Zaafrani explained. The city’s economic free zone – with zero taxes, import tariffs or restrictions on foreign hires – is set up to specifically attract clean energy and tech companies, clustering them together in incubator office buildings. “The number one target is people who work in Abu Dhabi and around the UAE,” Zaafrani said. “We are trying to make sure as we build up the city, there will be demand for both commercial and residential spaces.” Currently, a four-bedroom villa in central Abu Dhabi rents for around 200,000 dirhams a year, while a two-bedroom flat in Reem Island rents for around 100,000 dirhams. Over the next two years, 45,000 new flats and houses will come available.

Pelamis P2 Celebrates 1 Yr of Accelerated Real-Sea Testing

The ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) owned Pelamis P2 wave energy converter has this week completed its first year of a robust testing programme at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney.

The combined P2 test programme has now accumulated 7500 grid connected operating hours, and exported 160MWh of electricity to the national grid. These are encouraging figures for this stage of the testing programme and it is anticipated that generated powers will continue to rise as the programme develops. These P2 operating hours bring the cumulative total for Pelamis technology up to over 10,000 grid connected operating hours, demonstrating both the extensive experience of the Pelamis team and the wealth of learning delivered by the P2 testing programme specifically.

Following its first installation in May 2012 alongside the E.ON owned Pelamis P2 machine at the Billia Croo test site, the machine has been undergoing a progressive work-up testing programme, being exposed to increasingly large wave conditions for longer deployment periods. An accelerated form of the work-up programme was made possible thanks to the wealth of learning accumulated since the beginning of the E.ON Pelamis P2 demonstration programme in October 2010, and the resulting confidence of both the customer and Pelamis operation teams in this testing approach.

As a result of this accelerated testing strategy, the SPR owned Pelamis P2 wave energy converter was able to generate twice the amount of electricity in half the elapsed calendar time, during its initial test parameters of small to medium seas. In deployments since then, the SPR Pelamis machine has experienced larger seas with significant wave heights of up to 5mHs, including individual waves of over 9m. Electricity generation has increased as anticipated in these larger, more energetic seas.

The proven average output capability of the device, over the annual spectrum of wave conditions at the EMEC site, is now close to 100kW. Demonstrations of further improvements are anticipated through control optimisation which could double that number as targeted for the next stage of the project.

The machines have now experienced around 90% of sea state occurrences for an average year, allowing the Pelamis team to quantify the performance and electricity output of the P2 machines and gain insight into the factors influencing this. This broad range of data from real sea testing is invaluable for the on-going development of the technology, allowing focused design and innovation for future enhancements of the Pelamis machine. These enhancements are vital to ensure that the costs of generating electricity from wave power continue to fall, in order to become cost competitive with other sources of offshore renewable energy. This is an important direction for Pelamis to take as an industry leader. Announced in February, Pelamis is working on a project commissioned and funded by the Energy Technologies Institute investigating a multitude of opportunities for performance enhancement and rapid reduction in cost of energy.

Derrik Robb, Operations Director at Pelamis Wave Power, said: “The results achieved during this testing programme are testament to how far we have progressed, working collaboratively with our customers. The wealth of knowledge and data collected to date has been instrumental in reinforcing our technical understanding of the Pelamis and its control systems and we continue to apply key learning points from one machine to the other, thus reducing time spent addressing first-of-type issues.”

Alan Mortimer, Head of Innovation at ScottishPower Renewables, said: “The past year at EMEC has been an invaluable learning experience for SPR, E.ON and Pelamis.  The collaboration has worked well and all parties have benefited from sharing of information, risks and innovation.

“The creation of the Operations Team and Health & Safety Systems has been a substantial effort this year and now provides the basis for us to explore the performance potential of the P2 machine.  The output of the device is steadily increasing as experience is gained and as the controller is fine-tuned for maximum energy extraction. We anticipate further significant improvements over the next 12 months, with the remainder of the test plan focused on optimising the power produced in the full range of sea-states in order to progress the technology towards commercially-viable status.”

Pelamis’ patented ‘plug & play’ system for the safe and rapid installation and removal of the machines in water has proved its strength and allowed for the towing and installation to be routinely conducted in wave heights of up to 2.5 metres as well as in darkness. This unique feature of the Pelamis P2 machine greatly expands the opportunities for operations and safe intervention, as it allows for flexible, round-the-clock operations, which is particularly important in the waters to the north of Scotland and over the winter months. The two Pelamis machines have been deployed in tandem during winter.

A Tale of Two Bridges

Composite Advantage in Dayton, Ohio, has provided FRP bridge decks for seven pedestrian bridges in the past four years. Scott Reeve, president of the company, is upbeat about the outlook for composites in the infrastructure segment. We’re getting to the point where engineers, designers and procurement are letting us go head-to-head against concrete, he says. In the past, we were either excluded because they only considered traditional options or we had to do a lot of work to be a special demo case.

However, Reeve admits that progress is slow. I tell my employees, It took 30 years for steel to replace wood in bridges. It will take longer than we want for composites to replace concrete, he says. You have to keep working at it.

One way that Composite Advantage has made inroads in infrastructure is by providing products that help solve construction challenges and highlight the advantages of composites. That’s the case for the two bridge projects presented here: One required accelerated construction, while the other was a highly-engineered bridge. Both utilized prefabricated FRP bridge decks.

The decks were manufactured using the company’s FiberSPAN molded sandwich construction, which employs fiberglass top and bottom skins and closely-spaced internal webs that function like a series of I-beams. The fibers in the webs are oriented at ± 45° angles and infused with resin to form very strong, stiff shear webs for the sandwich cross-section. The closely-spaced webs provide good crushing resistance to concentrated loads, and there is no local skin deflection since the skins are well supported by the webs.


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