Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments of an Innovative FRP Composite Footbridge

Sustainable construction and the design of low-carbon structures is a major concern for UK industry. FRP composite materials are seen as suitable alternative to traditional due their high strength light weight. Network Rail has developed prototype new innovative footbridge made entirely from with aim replacing current steel footbridges. This study conducted life cycle analysis this novel quantify cost environmental benefits. An LCA LCC framework was used analyse impacts savings bridge throughout its lifespan raw material extraction end life. From results LCC, sustainability reviewed compared standard footbridge. Due uncertainty fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) structure’s lifespan, multiple scenarios longevity at assets-use stage were studied. The revealed that offered substantial economic whilst presenting potentially worse impacts, mainly caused by impact production materials. However, our also demonstrated influences uncertainties related glass-fibre-reinforced (GFRP) end-of-life disposal on whole analyses. show if surpasses original estimation can be increased reduced substantially.