Like any railroad crossing, the two short bridges completed this month at Fort Eustis, Va. will be expected to support 130 tons. Unlike typical crossings, however, they are made almost entirely of materials that once were used to contain milk and detergent.
Working with Rutgers University, Axion International Holdings Inc., New Providence, N.J., developed proprietary polymer formulas that combine plastics to make an end product tougher than its ingredients. Sales partner Innovative Green Solutions convinced the U.S. Army to try it, first on three bridges with pilings and I-beams made of plastic at Fort Bragg; two are completed, and one will be built this year. “We received ratings of 73 tons for track vehicles and 88 tons for wheeled vehicles,” says Axion CEO Jim Kerstein.