A pilot application for modular bridge construction was realized as part of this innovative development project in Saxony. The central construction element is a precast bridge girder made of carbon concrete, which was designed as a sustainable, resource-saving and durable solution. This project represents a significant step in the further development of risk-minimized bridge construction and uses the advantages of carbon concrete to optimize the construction process while reducing the environmental impact.

The bridge itself consists of a total of 5 modular, prestressed prefabricated elements. This construction method enables rapid assembly on site and significantly reduces material consumption compared to conventional construction methods. The chosen construction method dispenses with the use of sealants and asphalt, which offers further advantages in terms of durability and maintenance.

Images: (c) HTW Dresden & Hentschke Bau GmbH

Key facts

Application Bridges 
Product  solidian GRID Q95-CCE-38, solidian GRID Form Q95-CCE-38 and solidian REBAR D12-CCE and Tokyo Rope CFCC
Year  2023
Location Germany
Construction method

Pre-stressed precast elements with T-beam cross-section and modular structure.

The future of building bridges

Research aspects and monitoring: The project is being carried out as a test bridge as part of a research project. Comprehensive monitoring is currently underway to verify the resilience and durability of the construction. If the system proves itself in practice, a systematic expansion of the construction method is planned. This can revolutionize the construction of road and railroad bridges in Germany and beyond. To the best of our knowledge, the monitoring has not yet revealed any discrepancies with the expected structural behavior. The road traffic bridge was commissioned after an assembly time of only approx. 6 hours, including both abutments made of prefabricated parts.

Environmental friendliness and sustainability: By eliminating steel and using a resource-efficient construction method, this project makes an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in the construction industry. The modular approach also allows for the reusability of the construction elements, closing the material loop and reducing waste. The lack of an asphalt layer also contributes to sustainability by minimizing the use of additional resources.

This project is not only seen as a showcase for sustainable bridge construction, but could also set new standards in the construction industry by providing long-lasting and environmentally friendly solutions for infrastructure.