Luzern Bridge

The Langensandbrücke is a good example of innovative structural engineering using composite design. During the design stage, the designers have made necessary assumptions regarding aspects such as the composite behaviour and support conditions: structural measurements would quantify more accurately the real structural behaviour.

Aim of monitoring:

– Develop an accurate behavioural model (global and local) of the bridge to help with management over its life-cycle – Evaluate the extent of composite action between the concrete slab and steel girder – Quantify the additional stiffness due to friction between the slab and the girder – Determine accurately the load distribution at each abutment – Supply necessary modelling information for an eventual dynamic analysis. 

Main results:

An improved knowledge of behaviour will enable the city of Lucerne to address most effectively future management decisions such as inspection, functional changes and eventual rehabilitation. Furthermore it will reduce management costs and enables better decision-making.