Timber Bridges Gartenschau 2019

The innovative mass timber bridges opened in Weinstadt and Urbach during the course of the Remstal Valley Garden Fair in May 2019 are the first applications of a research and development project sponsored by the Cluster Holz BW in cooperation with partners from research and industry. The mass timber bridges (Stuttgarter Holzbrücken) are the world's first integral wooden bridges and have therefore no joints and bearings. This means that the bridge superstructure, a block-glued laminated timber beam is connected rigidly to the reinforced concrete abutments. The stepped, laminated timber beam is formed corresponding to the moment force diagram and is protected against direct weathering by the bridge deck and a diffusion barrier cover on top of the timber deck. Sensors for permanent moisture monitoring are installed in the solid wood structure at relevant points. Large, eight centimeter thin precast sheets of carbon fiber-reinforced concrete were used as the bridge decking – a first of its kind as well. The carbon fiber reinforcement is extremely durable, which promises a significantly longer life span compared to conventional solutions of the highly stressed bridge deck.