Which of the following is an example of an advanced material used in modern bridges?

• A. Wood
• B. Masonry
• C. Traditional materials
• D. Fiber-reinforced plastics

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is recognizing what counts as an advanced material in modern bridge practice. Fiber-reinforced plastics are composites that pair fibers (like glass or carbon) with a polymer matrix to create a material with high strength, low weight, and excellent corrosion resistance. These properties make FRP highly suitable for bridge components such as reinforcement, decks, and retrofit elements, especially in harsh or corrosive environments, because they offer long life and lower maintenance than traditional materials.

In contrast, wood and masonry are traditional materials with long histories but limited performance in modern bridge structures: they’re more susceptible to decay, moisture damage, and limited durability for large, load-bearing elements. “Traditional materials” is a broad term that doesn’t capture the advanced performance and engineering advantages FRP provides.

So, fiber-reinforced plastics exemplify an advanced material used in contemporary bridges due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and corrosion resistance, enabling longer service life and innovative design options.