Wildbrücke Völkermarkt - vorgespanntes Bogentragwerk aus UHFB-Segmentfertigteilen

Bridge WILD Völkermarkt - prestressed arched structure made of precast UHPC-segments. Part 1 - Design and detailing

Our steadily expanding infrastructure requires long-lasting buildings which can be maintained with low effort. At the same time they should meet the comprehensive demands of sustainability. Ultra high performance concrete (UHFB) is a building material which is, due to its particular properties, predestined for the application in such buildings. It is strong, tough and durable. Its high potential for application in this field was already recognised twenty years ago. Since then this was confirmed by means of manifold research. It is very important to keep in mind that normal strength concrete cannot simply be replaced by UHFB. It is a new material the properties of which must be considered carefully and consistently when designing structures. This is how the beneficial material properties can be utilised in buildings, which consequently will result in a great economic exploitation. The pilot project WILD-bridge follows these basic principles. The development of the bridge led to a pre-cast segmental arch which is slender and therefore very light. Thus, it can quickly be assembled and erected. Not only do the pre-cast elements meet the demands of sustainability but also the joints. They are realised simple and robust by means of high precision dry joints. Part 1 of the paper deals with form finding, structural detailing and the structural analysis of the WILD-bridge.