A new type of composite repair technology being used for bridge rehabilitation has won international recognition for the University of Southern Queensland.

USQ’s Centre for Future Materials was named a winner at the JEC Asia 2018 international composites exhibition in Seoul for its work on the PileJax technology with Brisbane company Joinlox.

The JEC Asia Innovation Award, in the Infrastructure and Civil Engineering category, recognised the new type of composite repair technology for infrastructure rehabilitation.

Led by Associate Professor Allan Manalo, the research team was able to develop a non-corrosive and highly durable technology that has since been used in several bridge rehabilitation projects, including rail bridges, across the Gold Coast canal

While traditional composite repair systems are directly wrapped to the damaged structure and require a lot of site preparation, PileJax is quick to install due to its easy-fit and self-locking mechanical joining system.

USQ researchers hope PileJax will be able to extend the service life of critical infrastructure in Australia and around the world, at a fraction of the normal cost.

Joinlox chief executive officer John Pettigrew said he hoped the international exposure would drive the technology to become the preferred repair system in major rehabilitation projects.

JEC is a global industry organisation dedicated to promoting composite materials.