Schwelmetal Highway Bridge

To tackle these challenges, Hebetec deployed a tailored made solution: Three specially developed gantries, each with a capacity of 560 to 840 tons, were used for the demolition of the old bridge structure, while 16 lowering jacks with a capacity of 2,000 kN each were employed for the lowering of the new steel girders.

A standout feature of this project was the special control system designed for the synchronized execution of operations to achieve the highest possible efficiency and precision.

This demolition system was unique in Germany, as it allowed for the installation of the new girders on the existing bridge, thereby eliminating the need for a costly scaffolding. This not only saved time and money but also significantly simplified the demolition process.

The logistical planning included the transport and assembly of the specialized equipment, the management of heavy-duty wagon, and the execution of the demolition sequences. Each concrete segment of the old bridge was carefully moved and safely lowered at a designated location.

After all the concrete blocks were removed, the final installation of the steel longitudinal girders for the new bridge began. This involved a hydraulic synchronous lifting system that precisely lowered the girders into their final position—a process that was carried out in 21 steps and took approximately 2.5 hours.

The successful completion of this phase marked an important milestone in the Schwelmetal Bridge replacement project. The collaboration between the companies involved and the innovative application of engineering technology enabled the complex challenges of this project to be mastered and contributed significantly to its success.

The completion of the Schwelmetal Bridge is an impressive example of how thoughtful planning, technical expertise, and the willingness to explore new solutions can successfully implement even the most difficult construction projects.