News & Information

 

Applied Fiber Manufacturing, a leader in the production of high performance fiber cable assemblies, announced the completion of an area enhancement project in Houston, which included the retrofit of pedestrian bridge walkway over interstate highway 610. The bridge, which features a cable stay design, utilizes a high performance lightweight Vectran Fiber cable assembly manufactured by Applied Fiber. The cabling provides a high strength and lightweight alternative to steel, which was a perfect fit for the project and was approved by Texas Department of Transportation. The lightweight, high-strength properties of Vectran synthetic fiber cabling, integrated turnbuckles and end fittings provided by Applied Fiber were a critical design and focal component for the bridge.

 

 

Local firms in Houston were hired to plan and engineer the bridge and the high performance Vectran fiber cables provided the correct combination of reduced weight, high strength and elongation properties required for the design. 

 

The structural aesthetics of the refurbished pedestrian bridge reflect a nautical influence referenced from the intersection of Interstate Highways 45 and 610 as the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. The cable stay support masts and new architectural Vectran fiber cabling, as well as the sleek termination fittings, are designed to resemble the lines of a sailboat, and the bridge features unique lighting to make it an added focal point in the evening skyline.