waagner

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Bridge
Systems
Panel
Bridges

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BRIDGE SYSTEMS

PANEL BRIDGES

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

The strongest panel bridge in the

world built for a special transportation of 530 tonnes in Algeria.

A STANDARD
SOLUTION THAT SETS THE

standard.

Some types of Waagner-Biro bridges are visually impressive.

Bridges of sophisticated architecture can be counted among
these, as much as majestic suspension bridges. Other types of
bridges attract through their functionality. This category includes
Waagner-Biros Panel Bridges. A panel bridge impresses with its
practicality. If fast construction, easy installation and maximum
flexibility are the requirements, a panel bridge is the solution.
Waagner-Biro is one of the top suppliers of panel bridges. We
supply more than 100 bridges a year all over the world thereby
making a contribution to the development of urgently needed
infrastructure.

The Waagner-Biro Panel Bridge is a bridge system that consists

of interchangeable modular components. The panel by panel
construction allows the structure to be easily adapted to differ
+ent spans (up to 80 m), deck widths (one or two lanes) and
loads. Waagner-Biros strongest panel bridge carried with ease a
load of about 530 tonnes.
The system is particularly well suited to impermanent applications, for example, as emergency bridges, temporary bridges,
and military bridges. Because they are simple to construct, these
bridges can be erected very quickly by unskilled workers.

Advantages

Waagner-Biros Panel Bridge system ensures you a number

ofadvantages:
Very rapid construction time
Construction personnel do not need
extensivetraining
IMPRINT:
Publisher: Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG
Leonard-Bernstein-Strasse 10, 1220 Vienna
Concept and design: Wien Nord Werbeagentur
Text: asoluto public + interactive relations
Photos: Archives Waagner-Biro AG
Vienna, 2012

Very lightweight components

Easy adaption to different spans
(up to 80 m), road widths and traffic loads
High load capacity
through high-strength steel

Only one type of panel

(avoids confusion)
No threading and mounting
the transom between panels is required
Fast delivery
due to stock
All components protected from
corrosion

by hot-dip galvanising
Welds are all-round welds
which makes them water-tight

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BRIDGE SYSTEMS

PANEL BRIDGES

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

APPLICATIONS
The panel bridge in Klosterneuburg
near Vienna was constructed with the
AustrianArmy.
The applications of panel bridges are oriented to the needs
on the ground. They are used as temporary bridges, as military
bridges or as emergency bridges in cases of catastrophes and
disasters. They are suitable for road, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. They are even used as auxiliary railway bridges. During the
development of the bridge system, its use as a temporary bridge
was the main application we had in mind.

EMERGENCY BRIDGES

In an emergency or a disaster area, the existence of an efficient

infrastructure takes priority. In cases of flooding, for example,
disrupted routes must be quickly restored because, if a bridge
can no longer be crossed, the provisioning of large areas is paralysed. The time factor is decisive. Only the rapid construction
of temporary bridges can quickly restore urgently needed lines
ofsupply.
Emergency bridges are used as:
Auxiliary road bridges
Auxiliary railway bridges. In the case of auxiliary
railway bridges, the customer defines the gauge and
the load; the deck is designed as an open deck with
longitudinal girders, lateral bracings and sleepers.

TEMPORARY SITE BRIDGES

Some construction sites need to have a temporary site bridge

nearby. These types of bridges are used if road or pedestrian
traffic has to be maintained throughout the construction period.
The building contractors benefit from the simple installation
of Wagner-Biros Panel Bridges, because they can usually erect
them using their own employees. In addition, Waagner-Biro
offers an attractive rental option, which is especially popular on
short-term projects.

MILITARY BRIDGES

Panel bridges also make excellent military bridges. To design

bridge configurations in compliance with military load classes,
we drew-up configuration tables for MLC 3070.

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PANEL BRIDGES

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

System
Description

Swaybrace

Deck Unit Steel

Reinforcing Chord

Transom Brace

End Post

The design of Waagner-Biros Panel Bridge is based on the

system design of the Bailey Bridge, but features considerable
improvements.

Panel Standard

MAIN TRUSSES
Static System of Panel Bridges

Diagonal Raker

Kerb Unit

The Waagner-Biro Panel Bridges support system corresponds

tothat of the classic Trough Bridge.
In general, panel bridges are designed as simple girder bridges
(maximum: 80 m). It is also possible to use continuous support
structures or multiple single spans.
MAIN TRUSS CONFIGURATIONS

Transom

The Waagner-Biro Panel Bridge is available as PP30 (Power

Panel 30) with a system length of 3.048 m (= 10 ft.). The system
length is the length of a panel, or more accurately, the distance
from bolt centre to bolt centre in bridge length direction. This
system length is also equivalent to the transom spacing and the
length of the deck elements. The bridge length is calculated by
multiplying the system length and the number of bays.
The main trusses of the bridge are formed into a panel line
by connecting several panels in sequence with pins. It is often
necessary for static reasons, to combine up to three panel lines
(four with special components) next to one another (one storey) and up to two panels placed vertically (double storey).
If an increase in the carrying capacity is required, this can be
achieved by bolting reinforcing chords to the upper and lower
chords of the panels. The reinforcing chords are available in
three different types:
Reinforcing Chord LIGHT
Reinforcing Chord MEDIUM
Reinforcing Chord HEAVY

Panel Pin Standard

End Post Pin

As a consequence, the main truss configuration can be economically dimensioned based on the span length, deck width and
loading. The possible main truss configurations can be found in
the descriptions on page 8.

Knuckle Bearing
with Baseplate

In contrast to bridge systems from other suppliers, WaagnerBiros system only has one type of panel, the standard panel.
These panels can be used in the support area as well as in the
span centre. It is impossible to mix up panels and insert them
incorrectly, as all panels are identical and interchangeable. This
results in significant logistical and safety advantages.

Sliding Plate Single

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PANEL BRIDGES

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

A typical panel bridge with TD

(triple double) configuration and a
steeldeck.

Typical standard configuration.

Note: Special configurations are developed
on a case-by-case basis.

SS
Single Single

DD
Double Double

DS
Double Single

TD
Triple Double

TS
Triple Single
QD
Quadruple Double
QS
Quadruple Single

Multi-Span Bridges

If it is possible for a bridge project to have intermediate supports, it is often more economical to build multi-span bridges
because they can have lighter main truss configurations.

DECK

The Waagner-Biro Panel Bridge is available with either a steel

or a timber deck in three different deck widths. Intermediate
sizes are supplied on customers request.

There are three options for multi-span bridges:

Width

Broken Span design: Only the bottom pins are used to

connect two panels, creating a real joint. However, this
design is only suitable for low loadings.
Distribution Beam design: By attaching distribution
beams, it is possible to create continuous support
structures and, therefore, a more favourable distribution
of internal forces.
Span Junction design: This design is equivalent to
simply supported spans whose individual spans are
joined by special components.

The deck width is the full width between the kerbs.

Dependent on the number of steel standard deck elements
placed next to each other, three deck widths are available:
Standard (3 deck elements)
with a deck width of 3.15 m
Extra Wide (4 deck elements)
with a deck width of 4.20 m
Double Wide (7 deck elements)
with a deck width of 7.35 m

DECK SYSTEMS

RAMPS

These can be either steel decks or timber decks:

Standardised steel access ramps can be supplied by WaagnerBiro. Their main application is for emergency and military
bridges. Alternatively, a concrete wall with subsequent backfilling can be built by the customer.

Steel deck: The Steel Deck Standard elements

(element width 1,050 mm) span longitudinally from
transom to transom and are capable of transferring
the resultant traffic loads into the transoms. If the
deck is subject to particularly heavy loads, Steel Deck
Medium elements can be chosen. The hot-dip galvanised elements are made with non-slip steel chequered
top plates (with a raised pattern). If required, they can
also be supplied with an anti-slip coating.
Timber deck: The timber deck design for road traffic
has longitudinal steel girders placed on the transoms,
and wooden planks laid transversely onto these
stringers. Longitudinal planks are then fixed onto the
transversal wooden planks for load distribution and as
a wear layer. For footbridges, it is also possible to place
the supporting wooden planks directly from transom
totransom.

WALKWAYS

It is possible to locate walkways inside the main trusses

(e.g.,byraising one deck element) or outside the main trusses
using a cantilevered structure (1.0 to 1.5 m).

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BRIDGE SYSTEMS

PANEL BRIDGES

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

The launch of a panel bridge with a free span

length of 52.5 m.

PROTECTION FROM CORROSION

All the bridge elements and connection components we supply

have high-quality corrosion protection and we guarantee a
maintenance-free service life of 20 years:
All main supporting elements of the panel bridge:
Hot dip galvanised as per EN ISO 1461
Bolts: Galvanised as per ISO 4042
Pins: Sherardizing (solid diffusion process)
based on prEN13811:2002 (BS4921:1988)

ASSEMBLY
Design Manual

All the important data for assembly are recorded in the

DesignManual, the operating manual for the Waagner-Biro
Panel Bridge.
ASSEMBLY PERSONNEL

The simplicity and comprehensibility of the system makes

it possible to assemble a Waagner-Biro Panel Bridge with an
inexperienced team. The workers will understand the system and
layout of the bridge after assembling just a few bays.
If a construction is more complicated (e.g. multi-walled,
multi-storey and launching), Waagner-Biro is happy to manage
and supervise the assembly. Experience from previous bridge
installations has shown that a team of approximately 10 people
and a truck with a small crane is sufficient to easily assemble and
launch a bridge. A simple footbridge requires just 4 people and
a truck.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS AND HANDLING
THECOMPONENTS

The maximum weight of any one of the bridges components

is limited to 400 kg so that a group of 10 people can manually
transport and assemble them all. The Double Wide design
(deck width of 7.35m) is the only exception; its heaviest

element is a 1,000 kg transom. Although machinery is not

essential for bridge assembly, experience has shown that a wheel
loader/forklift or a small mobile crane (HIAB) can significantly
accelerate assembly and aid the team. It is assumed that the
construction team has the minimum amount of machinery.
Standard trucks can transport the individual components to
and from the location of the bridge. To load and unload the
components, crane chains or textile belts are required, which are
standard equipment on a crane truck. For storage and supports
for the construction, no additional specialised materials are
required, apart from normal squared timber.
All connections of the panel support structure are bolted (SL)
or pinned. Welding at the construction site is not required.
TheWaagner-Biro Panel Bridge does not require special tools.
FOUNDATIONS

To support the entire construction (bridge support structure),

the contractor must have a sufficient load-bearing stratum and
an abutment on and against which the bridge can be positioned.
When an order is received, Waagner-Biro will promptly inform
the client of the bearing and support forces.

LAUNCHING

LIFTING-IN BY CRANE

Launching is the most common method of positioning emergency and military bridges. Especially when positioning long
bridges that would be too heavy or too expensive to position
with a crane, launching is the most practical option.

The fastest and often easiest positioning method is Lifting-in.

Before lifting, the bridge is assembled on a preassembly area
near the final location. A mobile crane then lifts the completed
structure into the prepared position. This assembly method
presupposes the availability of enough cranes capable of bearing
the load. If only a small crane is available, it is possible to lift in
the bridge without decking and install the deck elements once
the bridge is in place.

POSITIONING METHODS

There are three main options for positioning the entire support
structure:
Launching
Lifting-in by crane
Assembly on temporary sub-structure

Before launching, the bridge is assembled on one side of the

obstacle and then pushed over the obstacle using standardised
roller units. For static reasons, a launching nose consisting
of standard bridge elements must be mounted in front of
the bridge. The nose is removed once launching is complete.
The equipment needed for launching is also provided by
Waagner-Biro.

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTIONS

Using Waagner-Biros Panel Bridge system, it is also possible to

supply the following special constructions:
Bridge piles
Formwork beams
Temporary, movable bridges
(swing, bascule and vertical lift bridges)
Pontoon bridges

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BRIDGE SYSTEMS

Launching the worlds strongest

panelbridge.

PANEL BRIDGES

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

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service
BRIDGE SALES

There are good reasons for actually purchasing a Waagner-Biro

Panel Bridge. Public contractors often want to be equipped for
possible emergencies and disasters and thus decide to store
the appropriate emergency bridges. The main arguments for
purchasing a panel bridge as a temporary bridge are its resale
value after its use on site and its availability for use on another
site at a later date.
BRIDGE RENTAL

A purchase is, however, not always the best option. Therefore,

we also lease our panel bridges. Our attractive leasing options
are most often chosen when temporary bridges are positioned
for only a few months.
WAREHOUSING

By stocking the required amounts with Waagner-Biro, single

or double track bridges and the required launching equipment
can be delivered within a few days. In an emergency, this saves
highly valuable time.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT

With delivery, full technical support from our experienced team

of engineers is supplied to our customers. This support includes
static analysis, system design, and installation instruction and
supervision. For each panel bridge chosen, we also offer a system
static test by a civil-engineer and a civic-engineers final inspection of the completed construction. These tests and inspections
are a particular requirement of public contractors.

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PANEL BRIDGES

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

BRIDGE SYSTEMS

Portrait
Waagner-Biro is an international full-service provider of
steel bridges and bridge systems. The company, which has
its headquarters in Vienna, can draw upon over 150 years of
experience in bridge building. Its wide range of services covers
all major bridge types. Waagner-Biros reputation in the core
markets of Europe, Asia, the United Arab Emirates and South

America, and in the newly developed African market, is based

on high quality service, innovative solutions and its consistent
ability to meet customers needs. The proof can be seen in the
more than 4,000 bridges constructed.

References

Spectrum

Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG

Saturn Tower
Leonard-Bernstein-Strasse 10
1220 Wien, sterreich
T: +43/1/288 44 0
F: +43/1/288 44 333
bridge@waagner-biro.com
www.waagner-biro.com

The companys core markets are on four continents.

Numerous references bear witness to Waagner-Biros bridge
building competence.

Waagner-Biro is a full-service supplier covering all familiar

bridge types:

DUBAI

Bridge Systems
Europe

Austria: Donaustadt Bridge, Europe Bridge,

BrigittenauerBridge, Danube Bridge at Hainburg,
Kaisermhlen Bridge,Trisanna Bridge, etc.
United Kingdom: Gloucester Swing Bridge,
HullPedestrian Swing Bridge, Port of Kings Lynn,
Fretherne Bridge, etc.
Germany: Rethe Bascule Bridge, Holbein Bridge,
MoselleBridge, etc.
Others: Bascule Bridge Valencia/Spain, Golden Horn
SwingBridge/Turkey, etc.

Asia

UAE: Dubai Floating Bridge, Al Maktoum Bascule Bridge,

Dubai Cable-Stayed Bridge, Karama-Deira Bridge, etc.
Sdostasien: A multitude of modular bridges annually for the
core markets of the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as
panel bridges for South Korea and Thailand.
Malaysia: Prai River Swing Bridge

Modular Bridges
Panel Bridges

Movable Bridges

Bascule Bridges
Swing Bridges
Vertical Lift Bridges

Austria

Waagner Biro Gulf L.L.C.

Abu BakR Al/Sidai Street
P. O. Box 8542
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
T: +971/4/440 38 70
F: +971/4/440 38 71
dubai@waagner-biro.com
Philippines

Special Bridges

Suspension Bridges
Cable-Stayed bridges
Arch Bridges
Plate-Girder bridges
Truss Bridges
Pipeline Bridges
Composite-Steel bridges
Architecture Bridges

Waagner Biro Philippines Inc.

2/F Keystone Building
220 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City 1200, Manila
Philippines
T: +63/2/893 03 51
F: +63/2/893 03 52
philippines@waagner-biro.com
Indonesia

Fly-over Ramps

Africa

Services

The focus in Africa is on panel bridges for countries like

Morocco and Algeria.

South America

Bridge Assembly
Bridge Maintenance
Bridge Elevation
Bridge Revitalization

Puente Continental/Peru, Malecon/Ecuador,

Kendal Modular-Bridge/Belize, etc.

Support with financial solutions

P.T. Waagner-Biro Indonesia

Talavera Office Park Building Lt.
11 Unit #02 & #03 JI.
Jl. Let. Jen. TB Simatupang Kav. 2226
Jakarta 12430
Indonesia
T: +62/21/7592 4355
F: +62/21/7592 4358
indonesia@waagner-biro.com

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