Messina Strait Bridge - Suspended Deck

The overall optimisation of the suspended deck is keeping its weight to an absolute minimum. Steel plates are kept thin as possible using effective stiffener systems in combination with variation in steel grades (S335-S460). A thin resin based surfacing of 10-12 mm thickness is being developed as an alternative to the traditional 40-60 mm thick surfacing and a light embedded rail system is furthermore being developed saving 15-20% weight compared to conventional systems. Fatigue is verified using both the "unlimited life method" and the "damage accumulation method" considering 200 year design life. Fatigue is governing for large areas of the suspended deck and weld improvements have been introduced increasing the fatigue strength of important details.