Arch bridges are structures that can – in some cases – possess enormous load reserves. Attempts to quantify these reserves with purely mathematical means rarely lead to realistic results – especially when a structure already exhibits damages. The current load yield (and therefore the impact of the damages) is often unknown. In accord with our client we decided to utilise a hybrid approach: We measured the major reactions of the structure while experimentally applying typical work loads. Afterwards we used 2- and 3-dimensional FE-models to prove structural safety.


We applied this procedure to the following bridges:
 

• • Schlossbach-Viadukt, opened 1903, clear width 16,0 m (Pongau)
• • Klammbrücke, clear width 22,0 m (Pongau)
• • Alfenzviadukt, clear width 12,0 m (Vorarlberg)
• • Burgfriedviadukt, 7 arches, clear width 8,0 m (Tyrol)
• • Vomperbachviadukt, 3 arches, clear width 9,4 m (Tyrol)
• • Sonnenburgbrücke, clear width 25,3 m (Tyrol)
• • Trisannabrücke, abutment structure, 7 arches, clear width 9,0 m (Tyrol)
• • Mühlauer Innbrücke, clear width 3 x 27,18 m (Innsbruck)