Corrosion Resistant Composites
Composites like unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resin are effective in reducing corrosion and chemical attacks, making them ideal for infrastructure applications. They are used in environments with damp soil, acids, oxidizing agents, and gases, providing long service life in applications such as scrubbers and underground storage tanks.

Resin Technologies
Corrosion-resistant resins, including bisphenol-A epoxy vinyl esters and chlorendic polyesters, have been developed since the 1960s. AOC LLC has improved these technologies to endure harsher environments.

Applications

• Chemical-Resistant Applications: Used in water treatment, food processing, and power generation, these composites resist moisture, corrosive attacks, and high temperatures.
• Water Treatment: A facility in California uses composite towers for solvent removal, showcasing durability and corrosion resistance.
• Food Processing: A composite rinse tank at Abbott Laboratories in Arizona meets FDA standards, offering corrosion resistance and reducing contamination risks.
• Underground Storage Tanks: Composite tanks have replaced steel tanks due to superior performance and soil corrosion resistance, with over 95% of new installations in North America being composite-based.

Infrastructure
Composites are used in civil and marine infrastructure for their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, reducing maintenance costs. Applications include bridge decks, utility poles, and wind turbine blades.

Short-Span Bridges
Composite bridges offer quicker installation and reduced maintenance, with successful applications in rural areas where traditional construction is challenging.

Specifications
The Russell County bridge meets AASHTO standards, capable of carrying an HS20 or 20 US ton load. It measures 7.1 meters in length and 8.2 meters in width, utilizing a composite construction with a sine wave cross-section core sandwiched between two flat panels for structural efficiency.

Procedures
The bridge components were manufactured by hand laying resin-impregnated fiberglass materials in an open mold. The sinusoidal core uses chopped strand mat, while the flat panels use a combination of chopped strand mat and bidirectional fabrics. The wear surface is made of polymer concrete, offering superior elongation, impact, and abrasion resistance.

Materials and Standards
Three different AOC resins were used for the core, face panels, and polymer concrete. The bridge design has been replicated in various vehicular and pedestrian bridges across North America and Europe.

Conclusions and Recommendations
The use of composites in infrastructure, particularly for corrosion-resistant applications, is expected to grow significantly in the Asia Pacific region. This growth is driven by the need to prevent economic losses from leaking hydrocarbons and to protect the environment. The longevity and durability of composite materials make them ideal for bridge structures and decks.

Additional Information
The paper was presented at the RP Asia 2005 conference by Stephen Olle. Contact information for Ben R. Bogner of AOC, LLC is provided for further inquiries.