ORCID
0000-0003-3376-3824
Abstract
This paper describes repurposing projects using decommissioned wind turbine blades in bridges conducted under a multinational research project entitled “Re-Wind”. Repurposing is defined by the Re-Wind Network as the re-engineering, redesigning, and remanufacturing of a wind blade that has reached the end of its life on a turbine and taken out of service and then reused as a load-bearing structural element in a new structure (e.g., bridge, transmission pole, sound barrier, seawall, shelter). The issue of end-of-life of wind turbine blades is becoming a significant sustainability concern for wind turbine manufacturers, many of whom have committed to the 2030 or 2040 sustainability goals that include zero-waste for their products. Repurposing is the most sustainable end-of-life solution for wind turbine blades from an environmental, economic, and social perspective. The Network has designed and constructed two full-size pedestrian/cycle bridges—one on a greenway in Cork, Ireland and the other in a quarry in Draperstown, Northern Ireland, UK. The paper describes the design, testing, and construction of the two bridges and provides cost data for the bridges. Two additional bridges that are currently being designed for construction in Atlanta, GA, USA are also described. The paper also presents a step-by-step procedure for designing and building civil structures using decommissioned wind turbine blades. The steps are: project planning and funding, blade sourcing, blade geometric characterization, material testing, structural testing, designing, cost estimating, and construction.
Disciplines
Civil and Environmental Engineering
DOI
10.3390/su15043366
Full Publication Date
12-2-2023
Publisher
MDPI
Resource Type
journal article
Resource Version
http://purl.org/coar/version/c_970fb48d4fbd8a85
Access Rights
open access
Open Access Route
Gold Open Access
License Condition
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Alternative Identifier
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/4/3366
Recommended Citation
Ruane, Kieran; Soutsos, Mario; Huynh, Au; Zhang, Zoe; Nagle, Angela; McDonald, Kenny; Gentry, T Russell; Leahy, Paul; and Banks, Lawrence C., "Construction and Cost Analysis of BladeBridges Made from Decommissioned FRP Wind Turbine Blades" (2023). Publications [online].
Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043366
Publication Details
Sustainability