Of flax fibre and bio-resin
Smart Circular Bridge in Almere
In Germany and the Netherlands, an international consortium is working on three footbridges composed of flax fibre and resin from plant-based and synthetic materials. The first one has now been completed on the grounds of the Floriade horticultural show in Almere. The structure, which spans 15 m, was created as part of the EU-supported Smart Circular Bridge project; five universities, seven companies and the cities of Almere, Bergen op Zoom and Ulm are participating. They will also provide homes for the three bridges.
Compared to wood, flax is characterized by rapid growth. For centuries, its fibres have been used to make sacks, rope and clothing. The researchers, who are working under the leadership of the TU Eindhoven, have now combined these fibres with a resin matrix which is of 25 % plant-based origin in the first bridge. For the subsequent project in Ulm, the organic portion will increase to 60 % by using waste products from biodiesel production and chemically recycled PET-bottles.
At this time, little is known about the long-term behaviour of the bio-composite material, which is why built-in sensors will monitor the bridges in real time. The data compiled can be viewed on a dashboard on the public website.
Read more in Detail 4.2022 and in our databank Detail Inspiration.
Project partners: TU/e Eindhoven University of Technology, Centre of Expertise Biobased Economy, KU Leuven, Universität Stuttgart, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 24SEA, Com&Sens, FiberCore Europe, FibR, Lineo - groupe NatUp fibres, Proesler Kommunikation, Van Hattum en Blankevoort, Gemeente Almere, Gemeente Bergen Op Zoom, Stadt Ulm
Main suppliers: Jos Scholman Infra, Polynt, Nouryon
Location: Archerpad 8, 1324 ZZ Almere (NL)
Photos: Smart Circular Bridge
Video: Smart Circular Bridge
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