Bellagio Hotel and Casino Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is well known for its famous choreographed fountain show. But most people don't know that much of the fountain's underwater structure is made of Bedford FRP.

Challenge

During the planning process, designers knew they needed a structural material that could be submerged under water most of the time without rusting, corroding or rotting. It also needed to be lightweight enough for bladders filled with air to lift the structure during the show. FRP provided the right solution.

Bedford Solution

The fabricating contractor partnered with Bedford to supply custom FRP components for the job, which required precision hand labor to meet the requirements of the complex design. These components have been part of the fountain structure since the Bellagio opened in 1998, and they continue to perform today.

Hoover Dam Penstock Tunnels

At the Hoover Dam, steel pipes (penstocks) up to 30 feet in diameter carry water from the intake towers in the reservoir to the power plant and canyon wall outlets. They play a vital role, and Bedford FRP is helping protect them from corrosion.

Challenge

Over the years, the penstock tunnel ceilings leaked water on the steel pipes, which was causing them to corrode. Because of the size and amount of pipe involved, replacement would not be an option. The Dam needed a way to protect the pipes from further damage, and FRP was the answer.

Bedford Solution

Bedford supplied structural components, such as square bar and I-beam - cut to length - which provided the supporting framework for canopies of corrugated fiberglass over the pipes. The canopies have been in place for nearly a decade and they are still sheltering the penstocks from further damage and corrosion.

9th Street Pedestrian Bridge, New York City

Just blocks from Ground Zero, thousands of New York pedestrians walk over a stretch of Bedford fiberglass-reinforced deckboard on their daily commute. It all started with one contractor's search for a long-lasting alternative material.

Challenge

Architects and municipal leaders charged Tully Construction with finding a decking material that would last - one that wouldn't rot or corrode. They also didn't want it to shrink or swell, causing nails and screws to pop up and pose a tripping hazard. And the surface needed to provide good traction for safety. Tully discovered FRP and Bedford responded promptly with samples and quotes. That response ultimately won Bedford the job.

Bedford Solution

Bedford supplied fiberglass-reinforced deckboard that snaps together without a lot of additional time-consuming fabrication. Tully had never worked with FRP before, so they were surprised at how easy it was to work with and install. The contractor was so impressed with the material, they say they'll use it again.

M-I Swaco Facility, Port Fourchon, Louisiana

Gulf Coast salt water and the corrosive chemical additives used in mixing drilling mud had taken a toll on this port facility. The existing painted steel structure had been deteriorating over the years, requiring significant maintenance and upkeep. That's when Bedford FRP provided a low-maintenance solution.

University of Houston Garage, Houston, Texas

The University of Houston and its architects needed an aesthetically pleasing product that would deliver long life with little or no maintenance for this parking garage project.

Children's Museum
of Houston, Houston, Texas

The Children's Museum of Houston needed a durable, lightweight material that was also aesthetically pleasing for its courtyard fence. Bedford provided all of the above with a bright, interactive, kid-friendly product.

Discovery Place Aquarium, Charlotte, North Carolina

As part of its mission to provide an immersive experience for children and families, Discovery Place needed a major update. Tenji, an aquatic life support company, turned to Bedford as their supplier of choice for the behind-the-scenes infrastructure on this project.

Pedestrian Bridge, Telluride, Colorado

This remote site would have been a major challenge for a steel bridge. Not for Bedford FRP. Our material helped the U.S. Forest Service save on transportation up front and gain corrosion resistance for the long term.

Challenge

The construction site was 3/4 of a mile up a steep single-track trail — not an easy location to reach with a heavy load of steel. The U.S. Forest Service needed a cost-effective solution. Bedford FRP appealed to the customer because it’s strong, lightweight and corrosion-resistant while also being aesthetically pleasing.

Bedford Solution

A steel bridge of the same size could easily have cost tens of thousands of dollars to transport by helicopter to the site, whereas Bedford’s customer, BridgeSpans, was able to deliver the lightweight FRP on its special trailers at a much lower cost. And unlike steel, FRP won’t corrode in the harsh outdoor conditions — potentially saving the Forest Service maintenance and replacement costs well into the future.