UMaine composites center wins patent
The University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center has been issued a patent for a unique technology used to strengthen bridge and building beams.
The center has been working for five years to develop the technique of using resin and fiberglass strips to reinforce large timber beams used for roofs and bridges, which increases the beam's strength by 38%, according to the Bangor Daily News. Officials announced yesterday they received the patent for the technology at the end of last month, after filing in January 2009. Habib Dagher, director of the center, said researchers have been working to perfect the technology, known as prestressed FRP-glulam girders, but that UMaine was the first to receive a patent. The technology is expected to cut materials costs in half for bridge construction by requiring fewer beams.
Dagher said a number of companies have expressed interest in the technology, and that the Maine Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration provided financing for the project. He did not say specifically how much research and development cost, but estimated it to be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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