Integral arch bridges of unlimited length

When it comes to the construction and maintenance of bridges, integral constructions have many economic key benefits. The abutment areas of conventional integral bridges with lengths over 70m often cause problems due especially to length variations caused by temperature changes of the concrete. With the new technology developed at TU Wien , the construction of integral bridges of arbitrary length becomes possible. By using arches for the construction, which are situated between two fixed abutments, temperature changes lead to a raise and a lowering of the tops of the arches instead of longitudinal strains. In combination with tendons, which are connected to the base points of the arches, a fast building process and a safe structure can be achieved.

The new technology is suitable for the construction of integral road, railway and pedestrian bridges.

• Construction of integral bridges of arbitrary length becomes possible
• Construction in stages without temporary bracings is possible, despite of slender piers
• Reduction of the bending moments of the arches and the piers for traffic loads positioned in a single span
• Redundancy of the entire structure

A prototype is available at TU Wien.

TU Wien is looking for companies in the field of Infrastructure Construction and Civil Engineering, that are interested in license agreements and project based cooperation.

With 4.780 employees and 30.000 students, TU Wien is one of the biggest universities of technology in the center of Europe. TU Wien combines basic and applied research and research-oriented teaching at the highest level. Through their knowledge and their strong relationships, the graduates and scientists contribute to the transfer of knowledge and technologies across society and the economy.