WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) yesterday introduced legislation to establish a design data clearinghouse to disseminate existing guidelines and standards for using composite materials in infrastructure projects. It would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a data clearinghouse to disseminate guidance on composite technology in sustainable infrastructure. The bill would also direct NIST—in consultation with the National Science Foundation (NSF)—to carry out a four-year pilot program to assist in assessing the feasibility of adopting composite technology.
“Infrastructure remains a top bipartisan priority; and as we continue working to improve, rebuild, and grow America’s infrastructure, it’s important that we make sure individuals and businesses have the information they need to get it right. That includes information on using composites in infrastructure projects—something that would help encourage both sustainability and innovation in construction, as well as help lower costs on a wide range of critical projects. Our legislation would also help make the case for using composites in various projects with the help of institutions like our very own West Virginia University,” Senator Capito said.
“We need an infrastructure strategy that rebuilds our roads, bridges and ports so that they can better serve taxpayers in the future,” said Senator Peters, ranking member on the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. “Utilizing state-of-the-art composite technologies will ensure our infrastructure upgrades are done effectively and efficiently. I’m pleased to join Senator Capito in introducing bipartisan legislation that will encourage composite technologies in infrastructure improvements in Michigan and across the country.”
“Instead of ripping and replacing our deteriorated infrastructure, polymer composites can economically rehabilitate the infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Fiber reinforced polymer composites can safely extend the life of existing structures without corrosion or rot,” said Hota GangaRao, director of the Constructed Facilities Center at West Virginia University and a recognized expert on composites in construction. “The biggest barriers to the expanded use of composites are the lack of standards and codes to permit safe, biddable designs and a shortage of experience in designing, specifying, installing and evaluating polymer composite structures or hybrids that combine composites with in-service structural materials such as steel, concrete or timber. This bill provides a proven conduit to bring together industry, government and academia to address these practical shortcomings in a collaborative environment.”
The United States produces more carbon fiber than any other nation (31 percent) and is home to two of the top five leaders when it comes to glass fiber production. U.S. composite exports are expected to grow at a rate of 4.2 percent in 2017 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In February 2017, NIST released the “Road Mapping Workshop on Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Composites in Sustainable Infrastructure.” NIST found that the top three barriers for composite adoption were: training and education, codes and standards, and durability and service life prediction. As a result, NIST identified three activities or tasks to overcome these barriers: durability testing, design data clearinghouse, and education and training.
By establishing a design data clearinghouse to disseminate existing guidelines and standards for using composite materials in infrastructure projects, the bill introduced by Senator Capito and Peters will help eliminate one of the barriers NIST identified and enable more individuals and businesses to take advantage of the opportunities created by composites.
# # #