Transportation Research

The Transportation Research Division provides useful research and technology transfer services to the operating units of the Department in order to help these units perform their work in a more effective manner. Choose one of the following links to access information about the Maine Composites Initiative, transportation research reports, lists of qualified products, or links to transportation research resources.

This is an image of the Little Diamond Island Pier.

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite piles were used on a pier rehabilitation project at Little Diamond Island in Casco Bay near Portland Maine. The project was the replacement of an aging wooden pier at the ferry berthing terminal. The FRP piles were installed as fender piles, designed to absorb the kinetic energy of vessels docking at the pier, to prevent damage to vessels and to provide an abrasion resistant surface.

The FRP piles were 11.25 inch diameter, 5 ply, hollow piles, having similar properties to wooden piles. The piles also have a heavy duty abrasion resistant sleeve, 0.75 inch thick.

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"We have had just one main purpose during these years, and that is to give the people transportation

of the most dependable quality at the lowest possible cost." -Henry Ford, 1938

This page last updated on 2/28/13

mainedot transportation research

Transportation Research