Smooth and durable transition structure for long concrete bridges

Examples of todays expansion joints are finger joints, elastomeric mat joints, roller shutter and cover plate joints. Building costs are high due to sophisticated materials, complex structures and the need to install these complex joints on a waterproof sealing layer. State of the art in expansion joints are characterized by high costs for control and maintenance as well as limited service life.

• Building material concrete having the same creep and shrinking behavior than adjoining surfaces
• Precast elements connected by a tension member allowing for flexibility in lane width and joint length
• Tension member protected from corrosion
• Easy assembly combining precast elements with in-situ concrete

• Low building costs
• Low noise level
• No corrosion risk
• Long service life

A pilot was built in Austria in 2017, as part of the construction of a new integral bridge “Satzengrabenbrücke” with a length of 112 m on the new motorway between Vienna and Brno. The transition structure is permanently monitored by the contracting authority, the Motorway Operator ASFINAG.

Potential applications can be found in all sectors of infrastructure construction, where expansion joints are needed. The technology is especially suited for the construction of integral bridges but also the rehabilitation and repair of conventional bridges.

TU Wien is looking for companies in Infrastructure Construction and Civil Engineering that are interested in license agreements.

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.