Hybrid bridges made of CPC‐slabs and carbon half‐beams
Already today, more sand and gravel is used in the construction sector worldwide per year than is created by natural erosion processes [1]. In addition, due to ongoing urbanisation, the annual amount of sand, gravel and iron ore mined is expected to more than double between 2011 and 2060 [2]. These dwindling resources and global warming are to be counteracted by new construction methods. CPC – carbon prestressed concrete – is such a new construction method in concrete. The conventional steel reinforcement is replaced by finely distributed, highly prestressed carbon wires, which are installed endlessly and in several layers in both main directions in the slab. In the newly developed small bridge system “CPC‐CARBO”, the CPC carriageway slab is supplemented with a carbon half‐girder, which lies under the slab and is connected to it via a mortared interlocking. This hybrid bridge is very light and yet extremely durable and robust. The very robust bridge, which does not require any steel parts, also simplifies the abutments considerably. Compared to a comparable bridge made of reinforced concrete, this new construction method greatly reduces the working time on site and makes it practically independent of the weather. The CO2 footprint and the consumption of non‐renewable raw materials are significantly reduced. This report describes one of three small bridges built in Switzerland which were designed in this way.