Delaware DOT Testimonial

The FRP lnstitute's educational training has played a crucial role in providing targeted training to Del DOT staff and consulting engineers. This has equipped the team with the necessary skills to confidently design, specify, and oversee projects utilizing these materials. This initiative is a true collaboration. Mr. Joe Stilwell, the technical chairman of the FRP Institute from Maine DOT, has played a pivotal role in this process. His outreach and willingness to assist DelDOT with design, pilot, and demo projects have been invaluable. This expert guidance has accelerated the learning curve and provided DelDOT with the confidence to move forward.

The FRP Institute has also actively worked with DelDOT on spec development and material acceptance practices. This partnership ensures that Delaware's specifications are comprehensive, reflecting the latest industry standards and best practices, which is crucial for the successful and safe deployment of these materials. The adoption of new materials requires a robust system to ensure their quality and reliability. DelDOT understands this, which is why the requirement for FRP Institute and AASHTO PEAS auditing is valuable. This auditing process is a critical step in verifying that the fiber­reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement materials specified by DelDOT meet the highest standards. It provides an essential layer of assurance, guaranteeing that the materials used in Delaware's bridges and roads are of the quality needed to deliver on their promise of durability and longevity.

By expanding its use of non-corrosive reinforcement and externally bonded FRP materials, Del DOT is building for the future. This strategic move will lead to more durable structures, require less maintenance, and have a significantly longer service life. We appreciate your knowledge and look forward to the continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Pinkerton, P.E.
Chief Materials & Research Engineer