Bridge experts reveal: Carola Bridge urgently needs to be renovated!

Bridge experts reveal: Carola Bridge urgently needs to be renovated!

The Carola Bridge in Dresden remains a hot topic, especially after the final report by bridge expert Steffen Marx officially concluded the research into the causes of the partial collapse. Despite these conclusions, there remain numerous open questions regarding the safety of the structure. Expert information from the construction committee shows that the bridge has already been tested several times, with a guest from Wuppertal, Professor Ulrich Bette, causing a stir. He found that stray electromagnetic currents created by the tram's traction current could cause corrosion. Sächsische.de reports that Bette recommended electrically insulating the undercarriage to prevent further damage.

During the bridge inspections, it became clear that regular checks and maintenance are also important. According to an article at Biberger, main inspections are due every six years, supplemented by interim inspections and annual visual inspections. These inspections are essential to identify weak points in a timely manner and to ensure road safety. Documentation plays a central role here - from recording the condition of all components to taking photo evidence. Especially now, after the incident in Dresden, the importance of these regular checks is particularly clear in order to avoid undetected damage.

A look at the test reports

The bridge has been monitored by several experts since 2002, including Ulrich Schneck from the company Citec, who examined the bridge for corrosion damage. Thomas Thiel, head of the building materials laboratory at HTW Dresden, has written a total of 13 test reports since 2001 that deal with chloride content and the bridge's hollow girders. Although he discovered safe grease buildup in 2001, he also noted a lack of maintenance in the early years, which caused the rebar to continue to rust. Over the years, Sebastian Gabler from the Saxotest expert office has also checked chloride levels that were elevated in some areas. Dekra emphasizes that such regular inspections are essential to ensure traffic and stability.

The experts unanimously came to the conclusion that the stress corrosion cracking identified by Steffen Marx had not yet been discovered. Neither Ulrich Schneck nor the other inspectors had any suspicions that would have justified a deeper examination of the tendons. Schneck also explained that the recent collapse was a shock for everyone, especially since the bridge had only been inspected two months before.

Outlook for future measures

The recommendations are now on the table: Thomas Thiel advocates a steel composite construction for the new Carola Bridge in order to prevent future initial and subsequent damage. Another important aspect is the implementation of modern technologies such as drones and sensors to safely and reliably check hard-to-reach areas. Biberger emphasizes that digital tools make analysis easier and help plan maintenance in advance.

The partial collapse of the Carola Bridge further adds value to the ongoing discussions about traffic safety and the condition of bridges in Saxony. Clear guidelines and regular inspections – as set out in DIN 1076 – must be taken seriously in order to protect human lives and keep the infrastructure in good condition. After all, bridges are not just buildings, but essential connections for the daily lives of people in Dresden.