A special, extremely lightweight type of modular bridge is the panel bridge, a robust modular bridging system that consists of fixed-sized interchangeable panels to form the core of the construction.

The panels are single elements which are welded together to form a latticed framework. Each panel is 2.15m high and 3.048m long. Combining multiple panels in different configurations forms the required trusses for spanning gaps and valleys. The bridge adapts easily to different spans, deck widths (single or double lanes) and traffic loads. For higher loads, special truss arrangements are available.

The cross members are also standardized and available in road widths of 3.15m, 4.20m and 7.35m.

This standardization makes possible an exceptionally short delivery time and very quick construction, because each element is produced for stock and can be delivered on demand within days.

It is usually provided with steel decking. The standard deck finish is a chequer plate finish, which consists of a raised steel pattern stamped into the surface of the deck. If required, they can also be supplied with an anti-slip coating. All structural components are hot dip galvanised to ensure long-term safety and quality.

The following video demonstrates the simplicity and ease of installing the Waagner-Biro Panel Bridge:

Advantages of the Waagner Biro Panel Bridge System

• Extremely simple and robust erection concept allow for exceptionally quick construction

• Short training period for personnel

• Modular construction enables the simple adaptation to different spans, road widths and volumes of traffic

• Very lightweight components

• Simplified logistic processes

• Use of fully standardized panels

• High-strength steel and a system height of 2.15 metres gives a high load capacity

• All components are galvanized to protect against corrosion

• Welds are all-round welds which make them water-tight

• If warehoused, spans of up to 80 meters can be delivered and erected within days to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Extensive set of services and support available including

• Sale

• Rental and leasing solutions

• Service solutions (structural analysis, system design, assembly instructions, supervision, and an inspection of the completed construction)

APPLICATIONS

The Waagner-Biro panel bridge is a versatile bridge system: It is suitable for vehicle traffic, bicycles and pedestrians. It is also used as provisional railway bridge. It may serve to secure or upgrade existing routes or replace damaged civilian structures to help restore people’s lives, particularly in disaster-stricken areas or rural locations. Its heavy load, long and multi span capability make it the perfect system for a wide range of applications, some of which are mentioned below.

Waagner-Biro panel bridges have proven their reliability and superior performance across the world.

TEMPORARY BRIDGES, CONSTRUCTION SITE BRIDGES

Temporary bridges are used to maintain vehicle and pedestrian access to a site or on a busy road during the construction phase of a building project or during the replacement of an old bridge. Their simple assembly makes it possible for construction companies to build these bridges using their own work forces. Attractive leasing offers are available for short-term projects.

MILITARY BRIDGES

Thanks to their tough, rugged components and construction tools, Waagner-Biro's panel bridges are particularly suited for military operations. The bridging system's basic concept and its basic components are the same for military and non-military emergency bridges, and are therefore compatible. To calculate how each bridge will be configured in accordance with military load classifications, configuration tables for MLC 30-70 have been developed. Using these, after entering the desired span and width of a bridge, the required construction is given.

DISASTER RELIEF BRIDGES

In the event of emergencies and disasters, top priority must be given to maintaining the infrastructure. In the event of floods or earthquakes, for instance, disrupted connections must be restored because the failure of one bridge can paralyze the entire supply system of large areas. Therefore, no other type of bridge is as responsive in emergency operations. Time is of the utmost importance in such cases. Only the quick availability of emergency or disaster relief bridges can ensure that urgently needed routes are rapidly restored.

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

The following video shows the assembly and installation of a multi-span bridge consisting of two panel bridge spans and a bascule bridge at its centre. The bridge is located at Kuchelauer Hafen (Port of Kuchelau) in Vienna, Austria and was completed in 2020.

References