Research continues to improve the materials commonly used to build bridges.

Concrete. New innovations will continue to expand the use of concrete. High-performance concrete (HPC) promises reduced maintenance, extended life-cycles, and greater aesthetics. Adding fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites to traditional concrete mixtures can greatly enhance the performance of this standard construction material.

The Transportation Research Board notes that “Concrete is slowly moving toward an engineered material whose direct performance can be altered by the designer.” Researches are working on ways to further increase the strength of prestressed concrete girders above 70 MPa (10,000 psi), the current NYSDOT standard.

Steel. New high-performance steels (HPS) aim to reduce the initial and life-cycle costs of steel bridges. HPS steel can be used in flanges of hybrid steel girders to provide higher strength where needed, reducing weight or depth required for girders, which in turn improves vertical clearance. It also has enhanced weathering characteristics and high corrosion resistance, resulting in lower maintenance costs. These steels have yield strengths of 70- and 100-ksi.

Integration. These improved materials will eventually lead to high-performance bridges with high-performance concrete substructures and a hybrid steel superstructure. Completing the bridge with a FRP deck will create a low maintenance structure with an extended life span.