Unveiled bridge experts: Carol bridge urgently needs to be renovated!

Unveiled bridge experts: Carol bridge urgently needs to be renovated!

The Carol Bridge in Dresden remains a hot iron, especially after the final report by bridge expert Steffen Marx has officially completed the cause research in part. Despite these conclusions, there are still numerous open questions that affect the security of the building. Expert information from the building committee shows that the bridge has already been checked several times, with a guest from Wuppertal, Professor Ulrich Bette, causing a sensation. He found that electromagnetic scattered streams that arise from the lane flow of the tram can cause corrosion. Sächsische.de reports that Bette recommended that the chassis electrically to avoid further damage.

In the context of the bridge inspections, it became clear that regular checks and maintenance are also important. According to an article at Biberger, main tests are due every six years, supplemented by intermediate exams and annual visual controls. These inspections are essential to recognize weaknesses in good time and to ensure traffic safety. The documentation plays a central role in doing so - from holding the condition of all components to the absorption of photo bids. Especially now, after the incident in Dresden, the importance of these regular exams becomes particularly clear in order to avoid undiscovered damage.

A look at the test reports

The bridge has been monitored by several experts since 2002, including Ulrich Schneck from Citec, who examined the bridge for corrosion damage. Thomas Thiel, the head of the building materials laboratory at the HTW Dresden, has written a total of 13 test reports since 2001, which are held with chloride and deal with the hollow boxes of the bridge. Although he discovered harmless fat impairments in 2001, he also found a lack of maintenance in the early years, which made the reinforcement rusted further. Over the years, Sebastian Gabler from the Saxotest expert office has also checked chloride content, which were increased in some areas. DEKRA emphasizes that such regular exams are essential to ensure traffic and stability.

The experts unanimously came to the conclusion that the tension corrosion, which was found by Steffen Marx, has not yet been discovered. Neither Ulrich Schneck nor the other examiners had suspicions that would have justified a deeper examination of the tension members. Schneck also explained that the latest collapse was a shock for everyone, especially since the bridge was only checked two months beforehand.

outlook on future measures

The recommendations are now on the table: Thomas Thiel pleads for a steel composite construction for the new Carol Bridge to prevent future first and consequential damage. Another important aspect is the implementation of modern technologies such as drones and sensors in order to check hard -to -reach areas safely and reliably. Biberger emphasizes that digital aids make it easier to analyze and help to plan maintenance.

The partial fall of the Carol Bridge also enhances the ongoing discussions about traffic safety and the condition of bridges in Saxony. Clear guidelines and regular inspections - as they are defined in DIN 1076 - must be taken seriously to protect human life and keep the infrastructure in good condition. After all, bridges are not just structures, but essential connections for the daily life of the people in Dresden.