Modern composite bridges in Germany

There is a trend towards steel bridges with concrete decks in Germany. This paper examines the design and construction of modern steel and concrete composite bridges in Germany. The historical and modern development of girder bridges is outlined with reference to the erection of such bridges by lifting or launching, common superstructures, roadway slab (cast-in-place, replacement, form travellers, precast forms), double composite bridges, corrugated webs. The developments are illustrated by the Neckarvalley Bridge, the Pirna Bridge across the Elbe river, the Siebenlehn Bridge, the Wilkau Bridge, the Weitingen Bridge, the Leinevalley Bridge, the Caroni river bridge, the Elbe River Bridge, and the Altwipfergrund Bridge. Developments in truss bridges are illustrated for the Korntal Bridge and those in arch bridges are illustrated for the Humboldt Harbour railway arch bridge (steel arch below deck) and the Tangermuende bridge (composite tied arches).