Review article

The article presents the results of researching the possibilities of composite materials acknowledged to possess high qualities in bridge construction. The properties of composites are listed that are suitable for bridge construction. The author proposes using pipes made of composite materials and reinforced concrete for creation of hybrid structures of the columns for the piers of bridges. The main problems hindering the wide range use of composites in bridge structures are indicated and suggestions for solving these problems are offered. For this purpose, vertical load, lateral load (bending) and torsion load tests were carried out with tubes of composite material. The results of the experiment are submitted in the article.