GuarDECK® Wins International Industry Award

A Breakthrough in Lightweight, Maintenance-Free Infrastructure

MAADI Group’s weld-free aluminum bridge decking, GuarDECK®, won 1st place in the Architectural/Structural category at the 2020 Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition, organized by the ET Foundation. This prestigious recognition highlights the groundbreaking work of the Quebec-based company in creating innovative, sustainable aluminum infrastructure solutions.

GuarDECK® stood out among numerous entries for its unique weld-free assembly system, practical design, and fast turnaround—cementing MAADI Group’s reputation as a leader in the structural aluminum space. This marks the second time MAADI Group has received this international award, demonstrating a consistent commitment to product innovation and engineering excellence.

The Value of the ET Foundation’s Award

The Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition is an international event celebrating outstanding achievements in aluminum extrusion across Architectural/Structural, Transportation, Engineered Products, and Alternative Energy sectors. It aims to highlight practical, innovative, and cost-efficient applications of aluminum extrusions in structural design.

According to Nancy Molenda, Vice President of Communications at the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), GuarDECK®’s weld-free aluminum bridge decking impressed the judges with both its technical ingenuity and commercial viability. “Showing how aluminum extrusions work in the real world is not an easy task,” Molenda noted. “But MAADI really nailed it.”

What Makes GuarDECK® Stand Out?

Innovative Weld-Free Design

GuarDECK® leverages the structural flexibility of extruded aluminum to create a tongue-and-groove bridge deck system that requires absolutely no welding. Instead, the system uses custom T-bolt fasteners that slide directly into the extruded profile channels, locking each panel securely into place. This eliminates the need for specialized welding labor and equipment on-site, significantly reducing installation time and cost.

Easy, Rapid Installation

Designed for maximum efficiency, GuarDECK® can be installed without heavy lifting equipment. Its ultra-light aluminum profile allows a small team to retrofit or install new bridge decking within a single day, enabling the bridge to reopen to traffic in record time. In fact, GuarDECK® is delivered in just four weeks—making it the fastest-available bridge decking solution on the market.

Sustainable and Long-Lasting

One of the biggest advantages of weld-free aluminum bridge decking is its environmental performance. Aluminum naturally forms an oxide layer that resists corrosion, even in extreme climates or areas exposed to road salt. This durability means the bridge decking is virtually maintenance-free for decades, reducing long-term infrastructure costs and emissions.

In addition, GuarDECK® is 100% recyclable and made with sustainability in mind. Its long service life and low maintenance requirements offer a low total cost of ownership, making it an ideal solution for municipalities, transportation departments, and private contractors.

Lightweight Strength with Heavy-Duty Performance

Though significantly lighter than steel or concrete alternatives, GuarDECK® does not compromise on strength. Designed to handle vehicles of up to 15 tons, this weld-free aluminum bridge decking is ideal for both pedestrian and light vehicular applications, including municipal roads, parks, private campuses, and utility crossings.

This makes it especially attractive for retrofitting older bridges that need structural upgrades without being completely rebuilt. Reducing the self-weight of a bridge significantly increases its live load capacity—extending its service life while improving safety.

Partnership with University of Waterloo for Performance Testing

To continuously improve product performance, MAADI Group has partnered with structural research teams at the University of Waterloo. Together, they are testing vibration effects and optimizing the system for long-term resilience in various applications.

These collaborative efforts ensure that GuarDECK® stays ahead of the curve—not just in innovation, but also in safety and compliance with Canadian and international bridge design codes.

Why Weld-Free Aluminum Bridge Decking is the Future

As infrastructure around the world continues to age, public agencies and private developers are looking for faster, more sustainable, and more affordable solutions. MAADI Group’s GuarDECK® product responds to all three needs—providing a durable system that’s quick to install, environmentally friendly, and far less costly to maintain than steel or concrete alternatives.

Its weld-free design lowers labor costs, its light weight improves logistics and safety, and its corrosion resistance ensures long-term durability even in harsh weather conditions. These advantages make weld-free aluminum bridge decking a game-changing technology in both urban and remote infrastructure development.

Building a Better Future with Aluminum

MAADI Group has built a reputation for combining design innovation with manufacturing precision. From pedestrian walkways to tactical vehicle bridges, their aluminum structures are known for being versatile, modular, and long-lasting. GuarDECK® represents the next step in that journey—a product that proves how smart engineering and sustainable materials can work together to solve real-world challenges.

The win at the 2020 Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition is more than just an award. It is an acknowledgment from the global engineering community that MAADI Group is leading the way in sustainable aluminum bridge technology.

Learn More

Discover the advantages of GuarDECK® and how MAADI Group is transforming the world of infrastructure through weld-free aluminum bridge decking.

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