Trains are now crossing a bridge between Germany and Poland constructed with an innovative carbon tensile hanger net.
The new 226m bridge replaces a derelict single-track truss with a pair of elegant and distinctive arches over the Oder River. It allows trains to run at a maximum speed of 120km/h.
The carbon cables significantly reduced the weight of the structure so that less steel and concrete were needed in the deck. This structure is the first, and, so far, the only rail bridge to use high-performance carbon for significant load-bearing elements (link opens in new tab).
The 226m network arch bridge was designed by Knight Architects, with Schuessler-Pan Berlin and Schlaich Bergermann Partner as consulting engineers. The carbon fibre hangers were manufactured by Carbo-Link AG.
The bridge was commissioned by OB Infra Go, Bestandsnetz Berlin and I.II-0-A-B. The project was delivered by Dresden-based Sächsische Bau. Also involved were Prof. Dr.-lng. Karsten Geißler, Berlin, EMPA Oübendorf (CH), Prof. Dr.-lng. Gerhard Hanswille, Bochum, GuO Geotechnik und Dynamik Consult, Dr.-lng. Lutz Vogt of Baugrund Dresden.
