The Schiphol Logistics Park in the Netherlands has officially opened to the public a bio-based footbridge made of basalt fiber composites and polyester resin.
Sustainable technologies and closed-cycle production are far more than theoretical possibilities, but can be put into practical use. Recyclable materials, zero-waste technologies, and low-energy processes are transforming theory into realistic projects.
Figure 1 is a bridge constructed using sustainable materials, located in the Schiphol Logistics Park in the business district of Amsterdam, near Amsterdam Airport.
The Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, FiberCore Europe in the Netherlands and Schiphol Logistics Park have partnered to build the bio-based bridge. They overcome some technical limitations because bio-based basalt fiber composites have never been used in bridge construction before.
Mafic provides basalt fiber, bio-based polyester resin and balsa wood as main raw materials. A 15-meter-long and 2-meter-wide so-called biological basalt balsa bridge was thus completed.
Basalt fiber composites are used to build bridge decks. Compared with traditional building materials, the advantages of fiber reinforced plastic include high strength, low energy requirements during construction, low maintenance requirements, and long service life. Basalt fiber composite is a safe and sustainable building material that does not rot or corrode. Therefore, the designer believes that the material is expected to last for at least a hundred years. Compared with other technical fibers (such as glass fibers), the biggest advantage of using basalt fibers is the high strength of the material. Because less material is needed, lightweight bridges can be built. In addition, basalt fibers are fully recyclable, and the fibers can be melted and extracted and reused after the end of the bridge's life.
FiberCore Europe used to focus on aerospace technology. Currently, the company applies its sustainable high-tech technology to the field of civil engineering. FiberCore Europe has completed more than 500 construction projects in the Netherlands, including the longest bridge and the world's largest gate made of fiber-reinforced materials. According to the company's experts, customers are beginning to show great interest in fiber-reinforced composites and their sustainable use.
Mafic, a world-renowned manufacturer of basalt fiber and basalt fiber products, is the investor in the construction of this unique bridge, providing fiber to produce basalt composite materials. Mafic has announced a partnership with McCormick to focus on the development of modern and innovative basalt fiber-based composites.