Biskupice bridge: Europe's first combination of PreCoBeam construction and weathering steel

Detailed information

Arcorox® steel sections

To reinforce the composite superstructure, 15 tonnes of HEB 900 rolled sections in S460J2W grade Arcorox® steel were used.

The sections were produced at ArcelorMittal Europe - Long Products' steelworks in Differdange, Luxembourg. The Steligence® Fabrication Centre then supplied the sections to the project's general contractor, Dura Sp. z o.o., through the steel structure contractor MOSTOSTAL Puławy S.A.

PreCoBeam: a state-of-the-art technical solution for optimised properties

The bridge, which crosses the Giełczew River, was built using PreCoBeam construction in combination with weathering steel for the first time in Europe. The 11.1-metre-wide bridge is equipped with two roadway lanes (2 x 3 m), a pavement on one side, safety barriers, and stairs that allow for safe service access under the structure.

The load-bearing structure of the bridge span in its cross-section consists of 4 T-sections, spaced 278 cm apart. The sections were created by cutting HEB 900 sections of Arcorox® S460 weathering steel in half. The sections were oxy-fuel cut along the web according to a defined geometry. This ensures an efficient bond between the steel and the concrete while improving the fatigue resistance of the section. The resulting 13.1-metre-long sections were then bonded to the reinforced concrete slab with a special composite dowel.

This solution was part of a new project proposed by Steligence® engineers. The main objective of the proposed solution was to improve the strength parameters of the structure - especially the fatigue strength. The higher degree of prefabrication of the elements translated into shorter assembly times. As a result, the PreCoBeam solution optimised tonnage (a 30% reduction), ensured faster delivery times, and decreases maintenance costs.

ArcelorMittal worked closely with the contractor throughout the project to select the right steel grade and develop the optimal technical solution.