Construction and Cost Analysis of BladeBridges Made from Decommissioned FRP Wind Turbine Blades

This paper describes repurposing projects using decommissioned wind turbine blades in bridges conducted under a multinational research project entitled “Re-Wind”. Repurposing is defined by the Re-Wind Network as re-engineering, redesigning, and remanufacturing of blade that has reached end its life on taken out service then reused load-bearing structural element new structure (e.g., bridge, transmission pole, sound barrier, seawall, shelter). The issue end-of-life becoming significant sustainability concern for manufacturers, many whom have committed to 2030 or 2040 goals include zero-waste their products. most sustainable solution from an environmental, economic, social perspective. designed constructed two full-size pedestrian/cycle bridges—one greenway Cork, Ireland other quarry Draperstown, Northern Ireland, UK. design, testing, construction provides cost data bridges. Two additional are currently being Atlanta, GA, USA also described. presents step-by-step procedure designing building civil structures blades. steps are: planning funding, sourcing, geometric characterization, material designing, estimating, construction.