On September 11, 2024, the collapse of bridge C of the Carola Bridge in Dresden occurred. Since then, intensive investigations into the cause of the accident have been underway. The focus is on the question of whether the neighboring bridge span A can possibly be reopened to light traffic after a thorough examination. This topic was also discussed in detail at the city council meeting on October 1, 2024.
Dr. Steffen Marx from the Institute of Concrete and Masonry Structures emphasizes that several causes for the collapse are being investigated. The collapsed bridge span C was "naked" and unprotected for a long time, which led to considerable corrosion of the steel tendons. This corrosion is considered the most likely cause of the collapse. In addition, the sudden temperature differences on the night of the collapse could have led to stresses in the steel and concrete, which ultimately caused the tendons to fail. However, Dr. Marx does not rule out other causes and is also investigating wire breaks in the other bridge sections.
An important difference between the collapsed bridge span C and the possibly still usable bridge span A is the protection provided by a closed asphalt cover. This protective coating prevented moisture and brine from penetrating the structure of bridge span A. It is therefore hoped that this bridge will be in better condition and could be reopened for limited use. To ensure this, acoustic emission measurements will be carried out over the next few weeks to identify possible internal damage. In addition, samples will be taken from the demolition material of the collapsed section for chemical and physical analysis.
The aim is to clarify by the beginning of December at the latest whether Bridge A can be reopened to light traffic. An opening would make sense from an economic point of view, as the renovation costs in recent years have been considerable. Nevertheless, safety is paramount: the bridge will only be reopened if there is no residual risk for road users.
Background: The Carola Bridge is an important transport link in Dresden. The collapse of bridge C caused considerable damage and led to extensive demolition work, which had to be paused for two weeks due to the flooding of the Elbe. The city is expecting costs of around seven million euros for the demolition of the destroyed section, including safety concepts and traffic-related effects. Navigation under the bridge will remain closed during the demolition work.
History: The Carola Bridge has been a central traffic artery in Dresden for decades and has been renovated time and again. The most recent collapse, which was discussed at the city council meeting on October 1, 2024, once again raises questions about the durability and maintenance of bridge structures. The decision as to whether Bridge A can be used again could provide important insights for dealing with similar structures in Germany.
