Complete demolition of the Carola Bridge in Dresden necessary

Cracks already appeared during the construction of the Carola Bridge

Damage images on the tendons in the deck slab indicate that a significant proportion of the prestressing wires were no longer contributing to the load-bearing capacity of the structure over a long period of time. The experts assume that ultimately progressive prestressing steel failure at the heavily stressed cross-section in the pier axis D led to the failure.

On the night of September 11, around 100 meters of the still unrenovated western section of bridge C with streetcar tracks and cycle path collapsed unexpectedly. A few days later, the first debris was removed and since the beginning of October, the demolition of train C of the now closed important inner-city traffic artery has been underway. However, there is currently another pause due to flooding.

According to the investigations commissioned by the city to Professor Marx from the Institute for Solid Construction at TU Dresden, there were no sufficient signs that could have reliably predicted the collapse. For example, there was no pronounced crack formation due to the special construction. "Today we know that even very small cracks must be regarded as a criterion for damage and therefore an early warning."

Experts warn against further use of the bridge remains

In view of this, the experts warn against the reuse of bridges A and B, which have already been renovated. This is - even temporarily - "not justifiable and out of the question", said Marx. Findings from technical material investigations have also shown damage there as a result of stress corrosion cracking. The experts therefore see too high a risk that another sudden failure could occur without prior notice. The remaining bridge should no longer be loaded until it is dismantled in a controlled manner.

City wants a quick replacement - costs of over 100 million euros expected

According to a press release, the city is already examining the framework conditions of three variants of a new bridge, as Mayor Stephan Kühn (Greens) told the city council's construction committee this evening. The administration favors a simplified planning procedure - and assumes costs of no less than 100 million euros.

The experts certified to the city that the bridge was assessed and operated in accordance with the applicable regulations. "There is no evidence of negligent handling." Legal requirements were complied with, the structure was regularly inspected in accordance with the standards and specifically for risks, and recommendations for handling prestressed concrete bridges were implemented.

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