Abstract: To study the application of composite materials in bridge construction, a GFRP pedestrian bridge in Tianjin was taken as the research object, by using ANSYS 11.0 to build the bridge finite element model for checking and analyzing its structure. The results showed that composites bridge can meet current regulatory requirements, through reasonable structural and material design. At last, some principles of design and joints connecting were discussed, because they are the most complex problem in the design process. According to the current development of composite materials and the deterioration of domestic environment, the application prospect of composite bridges will put forward.

Key words: pedestrian bridge, composite materials, structure analysis, design principles, environment