Challenge
This Louisiana bridge infrastructure project was long—45 miles to be exact. Project complexities included consideration of outdoor elements causing corrosion, impact protection, as well as broad temperature fluctuations and how the conduit would react. Thermal expansion can be a detriment on long expanses, as ineffective conduit solutions can cause stress and strain, weakening the conduit. Damaged conduit can leave exposed cables vulnerable to shorts and malfunctions, leading to power outages or safety hazards. Other common bridge challenges included weight constraints and over-water installation.
Solution
In considering electrical conduit, project owners recognized the need to address thermal expansion issues. This project required a conduit that would absorb fluctuations and movements caused by high and low temperatures along the entire 45-mile expanse to protect vulnerable cables.
Fiberglass conduit featured a broader temperature range (-60°F to +250°F) than other types of electrical conduit such as PVC SCH 40 and SCH 80 (+40°F to +150°F). Because it can handle lower and higher temperatures, the conduit offered reduced thermal expansion. Further, the fiberglass conduit system provided expansion fittings to reinforce and protect conduit runs. The expansion fittings were installed at intervals along the length of the conduit run to absorb movement caused by temperature changes, preventing stress on the conduit and cables.
To further protect cables, Champion Haz Duct® XW’s mechanical strength provided key impact resistance.
Project owners were also sold on fiberglass conduit’s light weight, which made installation easier. Additional benefits included durability in UV protection as well as corrosion resistance to many chemicals, salt, oil and gas over PVC- coated conduit.
Results
The contractor on the project appreciated the support of rep agency Schell Martin and Champion Fiberglass® in working through project complexities. The collaborative efforts of both companies underscore their mutual commitment to providing robust solutions in applications with challenging environments. Fiberglass conduit’s wide temperature range, expansion joints and impact-resistance helped prevent damage to conduit and cables. This ensured reliable electrical service, enhanced safety and increased the lifespan of the electrical system while also providing a lower total cost of ownership for the project.
QUICK FACTS
Project Name
Louisiana Highway 1 Bridge
Application
Bridge
Champion Fiberglass Product(s)
Benefits
- Impact- and corrosion-resistance protect in a challenging environment
- Light weight facilitated a smooth, safe installation
- Reduced thermal expansion helped reinforce continuous runs
- Customized support helps solve project complexities
