Bridge over River Saale, Naumburg
The design process for the bridge did not only comprise requirements in terms of traffic but also aesthetics, ecology and monument protection. The result is an integral reinforced concrete bridge without joints and bearings; its traffic-compliant upgrade reflects sustainable use of resources and constructive creativity. The design of the new five-span structure with its clear elegance avoids competing with the old arch bridge from 1867.
The new construction is designed with four narrow pile slabs following the rhythm of the existing structure. The thereof resulting small span widths and the implementation as integral structure make the superstructure seem almost floating.
The integral method, in combination with the pile haunches, forms an elegant superstructure with high slenderness at a slab thickness of only 80 centimetres. The intentionally sparsely used and linear-shaped haunches (each 2 metres long; slab thickness 1.3 metres) hold sufficient load reserves for the support moments and, moreover, provide a beneficial shadow balance which highlights the structure's transparency.