Demonstration of economical bridge solutions based on innovative composite dowels and integrated abutments (ECOBRIDGE) : final report

The bridges are vital structures for the transport infrastructure; it is a fact that, in the last decades, composite bridges became a well-liked solution in many European countries as a cost-effective and aesthetic alternative to concrete bridges. Their competitiveness depends on several circumstances such as site conditions, local costs of material and staff and the contractor's experience. Beside the classical solution, the new ones with efficient design and construction improve and consolidate the market position of the steel construction and steel producing industry. The objective of this project was the construction of three composite bridges with integral abutments and/or innovative form of shear transmission - composite dowels. The targeted countries were: Germany, Romania and Poland. Ahead the time schedule, the design and construction of the composite bridges using PRECOBEAM technology has been finished in Germany and Poland. On top of this, 5 other bridges using the same technology have been built in Poland and another one in Germany. This shows the high acceptance and trust in this innovative construction technique along practitioners and authorities and proves once more the economic and durable construction of this optimized bridge structure. Summarizing the complete project beginning from the design process, (pre) fabrication of the different elements and finally the construction stage proved the general applicability of the technology. Compared to conventional design and construction techniques it turned out to be economic and competitive especially since the complete construction process could be finished within a very short time span.