Application of Rolled Sections in Composite Bridges with Span Over 50 Meters

Solutions using rolled sections instead of plated beams are strongly developed in Poland [1‐7]. One of the ideas is to use rolled sections HL1100 out of S460 steel for span region and variable height of girder at the piers (using different composite solutions) what has become a standard bridge type for continuous min. 3‐span bridges with internal spans range 50‐60 m. It took less than 10 years to come from the idea to standard market product. Appropriate R&D works have been carried out. The idea of using rolled section leaded to implementation of the double‐composite action and composite dowels and this way new structural forms of bridges appeared in Poland. The driving force for innovation in composite bridges in Poland is the design‐and‐build formula, international collaboration, open‐minded (not so conservative) young engineers and good economy for bridge market in Poland nowadays. In the paper applications of the considered solutions are presented.