Support Structures in Lightweight Design for the Construction of Resource Efficient Bridges

Modern civil engineering is characterized by resource and energy efficiency, and functional integration. The focus of modern architecture is therefore increasingly on free-formed buildings with organic shapes and biomorphic structures. The basis of new buildings still consists of conventional materials like steel, glass and reinforced concrete. However, the applicability of these materials is limited, regarding lightweight design, freedom of design, efficiency and functional integration. Innovative projects either cannot be implemented, or would be put to enormous costs and expenditure of resources.The theoretical and experimental basis for this functionally integrated support structure was established within the scope of the research project “New lightweight structural components and processing technologies for the application in support structures”, supported by the Sächsische Aufbaubank SAB.The main objective was to develop material and design for a lightweight modular support structure and to implement it by means of innovative production methods. New approaches included the application of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) due to its favorable mechanical properties, low susceptibility to corrosion and load-adjusted dimensioning.In connection with the realization of the production, different technological concepts were analyzed with reference to their suitability, integration of required force transmission and further functions during and after production. The lightweight elements were analyzed on a laboratory scale with regard to their production and their mechanical properties. A holistic production and tool concept resulted from these tests, that pictures the complete process chain from textile to component. The results were implemented in practice in form of an interactive honeycomb-bridge which was built in Chemnitz.