Bridge construction
Structural design for new builds, replacement builds and repair, from cycle and footbridges to bridges in the classified road networks of the federal government, state and district.
What we do in bridge construction
A bridge is a structure with a long service life and a short construction period. Structural design has to reconcile both: a structure that stays durable for decades, and a construction sequence that restricts traffic as briefly as possible. We plan new structures, replacement structures and repairs, from footbridges and cycle bridges to structures on classified federal, state and district roads.
From preliminary design to construction
We support bridge projects across the HOAI work stages: basic evaluation and preliminary design including comparison of options, design and approval planning, detailed design with formwork and reinforcement drawings, and support during tendering and site supervision. The earlier the structure enters the discussion, the greater the freedom. Structural depth, spans, foundations and construction method depend directly on one another, and fixing one of them fixes the others too.
New build, replacement or repair
For existing structures the first question is whether repair or replacement is the more economical route. It can only be answered by recalculating the existing structure, often following a structural inspection. Increased traffic loads, revised standards and the condition of the existing fabric all lead to different answers. We calculate both routes rather than assuming one.
Foundations and ground conditions
The ground decides which foundation is possible. Shallow foundations, piled foundations or the continued use of existing substructures lead to different structural depths, construction periods and costs. We coordinate the foundation with the ground investigation report early, because it sets the boundary conditions for the entire design. Watercourse crossings add flood discharge, bank conditions and the requirements of the water authority.
Construction methods and materials
- Reinforced and prestressed concrete, in-situ and precast
- Steel and composite structures
- Frame and slab structures, integral and semi-integral designs
- Footbridges, cycle bridges and agricultural access bridges
- Strengthening, waterproofing and repair of existing structures
For every structure we produce the structural analysis with the associated verifications to Eurocode, and from it the complete construction documents: position drawings, formwork drawings, reinforcement drawings and the associated bar schedules, ready to build from on site.
Questions we are often asked
When should the structural engineer be involved?
As early as possible, ideally during preliminary design. Spans, structural depth, foundation type and construction method all influence one another and together determine cost. If the structure is only considered after the design is fixed, many economical options are already ruled out.
Repair or replace, which is cheaper?
There is no general answer. What matters is the condition of the existing fabric, the traffic loads that apply today, and the remaining service life a repair can achieve. The basis is a recalculation of the existing structure, often building on the results of a DIN 1076 inspection.
Do you also handle small structures?
Yes. Footbridges, cycle bridges, agricultural access bridges and culverts are as much part of our work as structures on classified roads. The size of the structure changes the effort involved, not the care taken.
What documents do we receive from you?
The structural analysis with all associated verifications, plus the complete construction documents: position drawings, formwork drawings, reinforcement drawings and bar schedules. On request we support construction and answer queries from site directly.
Your project doesn’t fit in a box? All the better.
Whether a house, bridge or industrial plant: from everyday projects to demanding special solutions, we develop the right, economical structure.
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