Verdachtsfall Spannungsrisskorrosion – Zustandsanalyse der Elbebrücke Bad Schandau Teil 1

Potential stress corrosion cracking – condition assessment of the Elbe Bridge Bad Schandau Part 1: Special inspection, full closure and the path to reopening

The Elbe Bridge in Bad Schandau was constructed in the 1970s as an underslung girder bridge in reinforced concrete. Following the collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden, the Elbe Bridge—also considered susceptible to stress corrosion cracking—was subjected to a special inspection. Longitudinal and transverse cracks, as well as rust staining, were documented along the characteristic underslung tendon. As advanced damage due to stress corrosion cracking could not be ruled out, the bridge was fully closed, and a structure-specific damage analysis (OSA) was initiated. As part of the OSA, stepwise structural diagnostics, numerical verification and monitoring investigations were carried out. The results indicated signs of stress corrosion cracking and additional damage mechanisms, though only to a limited extent. Suspected causes were largely clarified or relativized with the aid of structural analysis. To detect future tendon or structural damage, a permanent monitoring system was developed and implemented. The applied methodology enabled a gradual rollback of compensatory measures. The Elbe Bridge Bad Schandau thus serves as an example for the assessment and management of existing bridges at risk of stress corrosion cracking.