The Lieper Bridge project involved the replacement of an existing bridge with a steel composite structure featuring a prefabricated superstructure. The construction concept was designed to ensure efficient execution while maintaining uninterrupted use of the adjacent waterway.
BrandSafway supported the project with a custom-engineered formwork and access solution, enabling in-situ concrete works for the abutments and superstructure while minimising impact on shipping traffic and site logistics.
A key challenge of the project was the need to carry out concreting works without obstructing shipping traffic. This required a construction method that allowed the superstructure to be completed quickly and safely, while working within the limited space available above the waterway.
In addition, the formwork solution had to accommodate a prefabricated bridge deck concept for efficient logistics, while providing safe access and fall protection for crews during assembly, concreting and striking operations. The integration of multiple systems into a single, coherent solution was essential to meet these requirements.
A bespoke cantilevered formwork solution based on the INFRA-KIT modular system was developed for the construction of the abutments and the in-situ concrete sections of the superstructure. The superstructure formwork consisted of 3 m (10 ft) wide standard elements, each equipped with two INFRA-KIT brackets, timber girder formwork and the PROTECTO® fall protection system, ensuring both structural reliability and a high level of safety.
The prefabrication of bridge decks simplified logistics and enabled efficient site operations. The superstructure was concreted in a single cycle, significantly reducing construction time and allowing shipping traffic to continue without interruption. Shuttering and striking operations were carried out using a scissor lift mounted on a floating pontoon, providing flexible and safe access directly from the water.
