The LT bridge construction method

For fast and material-saving erection of prestressed concrete bridges

[Translate to English:] Grafik von der LT Brücke

With the LT bridge construction method, thin-walled box girders are arranged in the longitudinal direction and deck slab elements in the transverse direction of the bridge. The longitudinal girders can be placed from the ground with a pair of cranes, using the incremental launching method or with a launching gantry. The box girders are connected in the longitudinal direction with tendons, continuous reinforcement and a small amount of in-situ concrete. The prefabricated roadway slab elements are placed on the already installed longitudinal girders. Only the continuous reinforcement and the longitudinal reinforcement of the roadway slab have to be laid on site. The connection between the longitudinal girders and the deck slab elements is made with an in-situ concrete layer, which is applied to the deck slab elements. The LT bridge construction method can be used for spans ranging from 30 m to 60 m. A bridge prototype has already been built and three further bridges are currently being planned in Austria.

Contribution concrete and reinforced concrete construction PDF, opens a file in a new window

About us

Structural concrete plays a pivotal role in modern society, serving as a fundamental material for over a century in the construction and development of urban infrastructure. Our research group is doing cutting-edge research on existing and newly built structures to transform reinforced concrete from the dull mass material it is used to be to an ingenious construction method that efficiently harnesses emerging technologies, prolongs the service life and makes sustainable use of our natural resources. One core focus of the group activities revolves around the digital fabrication of concrete structures from file to factory using advanced analytical methods and robotic tools. The group is also at the forefront of research when it comes to textile-reinforced structures. Through the exploitation of tailored yarn placement, the boundaries of traditional reinforcement concepts are leveraged for the creation of bespoke structures that are inspired by nature. A further key area of research is the development of innovative bridge and tunnel construction methods. The research group also operates a state-of-the-art laboratory in which the developed models, structural elements and construction methods can be tested for their applicability.

Group Picture of the institute

Group photo of the Research Unit Structural Concrete 2024 © Photographer Christian Husar