Innovative solutions for bridge construction.

Innovative solutions for bridge construction.
Project Business

Challenges in bridge construction.

Everyone involved in bridge construction sees a bridge as a structure that stands the test of time - it can withstand traffic loads, harsh weather conditions and the challenges of nature. The robustness and durability of each individual component is critical to the bridge design, including the fastening and renovation solutions. In this context, robustness means relentless strength - it withstands seismic and fatigue loads, corrosive environments, and unexpected fire events - and ensures bridges remain resilient for generations.

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Lake bridge prerow outlet

Examples of uses

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Application examples for new bridge construction
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Noise & wind protection elements

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Guidelines

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Supply lines & drainage systems

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Anchoring of edge beams

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Temporary fortifications

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Fastening of expansion joints

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Handrails

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Application examples for bridge renovation
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Reinforcement of concrete slabs

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Renovation of bridge piers & beams

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Anchoring of edge beams

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Renovation of concrete slabs

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Renovation of concrete slabs 

Monitoring critical steel bridge joints with SensorBolt technology

Steel bridges require robust, high-performance connections, especially when exposed to extreme loads. Whether for stiffeners, connectors, floor beams or steel cable anchors in cable-stayed bridges, the reliability of the connections is crucial. Primary components such as beams and membranes are particularly important for safety, especially in curved bridges, while bridges over railway lines involve additional inspection requirements due to limited access.
In this context, SensorBolt and SensorNode offer a groundbreaking solution by enabling wireless real-time monitoring of axial bolt forces in high-strength fasteners (classes 10.9 and 12.9) without changing the bolt shank or thread. The sensor-bolt sensor installed on the bolt head continuously transmits data via LoRa-WAN and has a battery life of 5 to 10 years. This enables long-term monitoring of the condition of the structure and early detection of load shifts or preload losses, which is particularly important in repairs where bolted joints can help extend the life of a bridge.
For bridge operators, this means safer infrastructure and fewer inspection interruptions. It provides engineers with valuable data on power transmission, especially on difficult-to-inspect or retrofit joints. SensorBolt addresses the challenges of maintaining safe and efficient steel bridge connections in new builds and renovations.

Solutions for bridge construction

  • Chemical fastening solutions

    To anchor bridge caps permanently and securely, the fischer FCC-B bridge cap anchors are the ideal solution in combination with the FIS EM Plus, FIS V Plus or FIS SB injection mortar. The sealing washer ensures that the superstructure is sealed in accordance with the approval requirements. The concrete-to-concrete push connectors FCC, which are used in combination with the identical injection mortar types, can also be used to increase the payload of bridges.

    In addition, fischer injection mortars are ideal for installing railings close to the edge, where the sealing function of the injection mortar in the borehole prevents the risk of concrete splinters freezing through water. Cartridge solutions are particularly suitable for the series installation of guardrails or noise barriers.

  • Steel anchor

    In bridge construction and bridge renovation, the fischer FBS II concrete screw is a versatile fastening device. In addition to the temporary fastening of construction site equipment such as scaffolding and formwork, FBS II can also be used to reinforce existing concrete structures with concrete or for the concrete-to-concrete connection.

    Unlike conventional systems for reinforcing existing concrete structures, the ETA-certified system with the concrete screw offers significant time and cost savings on the construction site. The FAZII Plus bolt anchor is the perfect solution for fastening bridge railings and noise barriers, even when the components are subjected to dynamic loads.

  • Cast In

    In bridge construction, engineers and planners face special challenges: extreme loads, dynamic movements and the highest safety requirements. Our hot-dip galvanised anchor rails offer a durable, corrosion-resistant solution for secure and flexible fastening in demanding projects.

    With fischer cast in, you can rely on a tried-and-tested system solution that balances construction site tolerances, enables permanent adjustability and makes installation significantly easier. Our system solutions ensure maximum efficiency and safety - a valuable support for the long-lasting and economic implementation of modern bridge structures.

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  • Installation systems

    Installation systems in bridge construction are robust fastening and support systems that enable the safe installation of various pipes and media lines as well as cable ducts. They are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as hot-dip galvanised or stainless steel and can withstand the extreme stresses caused by vibrations and high loads. These systems offer flexibility to adapt to the specific conditions in bridge construction and ensure long-term stability and safety.

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  • Structural Retrofitting

    With building reuse and wear and tear, and increasing demands on infrastructure, the need for robust and reliable renovation solutions has never been greater.

    To this end, fischer offers a wide range of products for subsequent structural reinforcement and concrete repair to meet the different requirements of our customers and to help extend the service life of existing buildings and engineering structures, with the same or even improved properties.

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  • Drills and bits

    Drill bits from the fischer range are ideal for securely anchoring fischer fasteners in bridges. The PGM-certified Quattric II and SDS Max hammer drills guarantee ETA-compliant and precisely fitting holes and meet the highest safety requirements.

    For even faster processing of the fischer injection systems, we recommend the fischer hollow drill FHD. Instant dust extraction in the hole also helps to maintain critical dust limits and ensures a clean working environment.

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  • Construction monitoring

    With fischer Construction Monitoring, a comprehensive and user-friendly system is available for monitoring the preload forces in fastening points. The associated hardware products such as the SensorBolt as a screw with integrated measuring technology (in high-strength or stainless steel version), the sensor-integrated washer SensorDisc and the SensorAnchor for anchoring in concrete measure the forces acting on them directly at the scene of the event.

    With the SensorNode transmission module, the data from SensorAnchor and SensorBolt can be wirelessly transferred to a cloud storage device and can be accessed, managed and visualised from there at any time and from anywhere via a convenient user interface. Local damage caused by fatigue, for example, can be detected at an early stage in order to minimise the spread and consequences of the damage.

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    References

    • Secure hold above the sea

      Baltic Sea Bridge Prerow

      The longest sea bridge of the Baltic Sea is currently being built in front of the Baltic Sea bath Prerow in the north of Darß (Western Pomerania-Rügen district). A railing that extends on both sides over the entire bridge length of 720 m protects people and infrastructure. The fall protection was installed with a chemical fastening system from the fischer group of companies. 

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    • Secure hold for a Bavarian landmark

      Echelsbacher Bridge

      The Echelsbacher Bridge has stood over the deep Ammer Canyon at a height of up to 80 m above the valley floor for more than 90 years, featuring a curved span of 140 m. Its total length is 182 m. It connects the municipalities of Bad Bayersoien and Rottenbuch in southwestern Upper Bavaria. The Echelsbach Bridge is traversed by Bundesstraße 23, which runs from Peiting to the German-Austrian border near Griesen. To preserve and secure the structure for the future, the “Construction measure B 23, partial renovation of the Echelsbacher Bridge” was carried out from 2017 to 2021. 

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    • Secure hold for longest bridge above the sea

      Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

      New record building in China: In October 2018, after nine years of construction, the Middle Kingdom opened the world’s longest bridge over the sea and the largest infrastructure project on the water at the moment. Around 55 kilometres long, the century-old building spans the Pearl River Delta and connects the special administrative zones of Hong Kong and Macau with the province of Guangdong (city of Zhuhai) on the mainland. Chemical and mechanical fastening systems from fischer secure several buildings on the artificial island of Zhuhai Port.

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      International network of experts

      We work closely with science & research. We focus on tunnel and bridge construction, all types of fastening technology, timber construction, structural renovation, robotics, digital planning and production. Our network consists of the University of Soil Culture in Vienna, the University of Stuttgart, Purdue University in the USA, Ghent University in Belgium and the Politecnico di Milano in Italy.

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