Construction – Page 2 – Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

Innovative Fiberglass Girders will Extend Bridge Life

The University of Maine’s Advanced Structures & Composites Center developed innovative fiberglass girders in partnership with Advanced Infrastructure Technologies (AIT). The Grist Mill Bridge in Hampden, Maine is the first bridge in America to use these girders with no concrete reinforcement in the superstructure. These fiberglass girders are expected to increase the bridge’s lifespan by an additional 100 years.

UMaine and AIT developed these fiberglass girders with the intention of reducing material and construction costs. The girders are approximately 35% lighter than steel and concrete counterparts and require less intensive installation equipment. The reduced weight and stackability of the girders means multiple units can be shipped together whereas each concrete girder would require an individual flatbed for transportation. Installation took a total of two days. Built with numerous strain sensors, the bridge was tested with more than 260,000 pounds to gather baseline data. Further monitoring tests will be undertaken to assess shear strength, the girder-slab connector strength, and creep of the girders over time to provide insight to potential future improvements.

Are you developing new materials or using them in new applications? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

University of Kentucky Develops Cements for the United States Military

The Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) at the University of Kentucky is looking to develop new, high-performance cements and concrete for use by United States military operations. In partnership with the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide $2.5 million in funding.

Deployed troops face damaged or non-existent infrastructure which can be an additional challenge. If bridges and roads are broken or blocked off, the army will have to repair or construct fixtures to make transport easier in the area. These construction projects need to be done quickly, efficiently, and effectively and with minimal tools. Deployed army troops don’t have access to the construction equipment a typical american road crew uses. They are hoping the CAER will be able to develop new high-strength, high-bond cements and concrete that are simple to deploy and use.

CAER has experience in the field of cement development, renowned for their high quality and environmentally friendly cement products. They feel confident in this partnership and research project.

Are you developing a new product? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.