The MAGNAWEAVE process (USP 4,312,261) should be capable of fabricating structural elements, such as I-Beams, from fiber reinforced composite materials. These elements are expected to be extremely strong, one-fourth the density Of steel, and to permit considerable savings n the cost of erection, maintenance, and replacement of bridges, etc. Phase I will produce, test, and analyze I-Beams fabricated from several Magnaweave contractions(weave geometries); the program will demonstrate the feasibility of adapting the process to bridge construction elements. It will also indicate the potential value of such composite shapes to reduce the cost and complexity of bridge construction, and provide some estimate of the prolonged lifetime of MAGNAWEAVE-built bridges. The program will ordinate with data generated elsewhere for materials
Anticipated Results: Phase I will define the development effort for Phase II, where the process will be adapted to produce bridge elements of superior performance at minimal weight and low cost. The success of the following Phases will establish MAGNAWEAVE construction elements as viable alternatives to heavier, corrosion-prone metal elements. The extension of their application toothed construction requirements(buildings, dams, transportation facilities, etc.) will result.
