Wondering why this bridge carries such an unusual name? Today, we’re standing before the Graapovsky Bridge. It crosses the Volkovka River in St. Petersburg. The Graapovsky Bridge may seem like just another bridge. However, it has a unique story. It is a story connected to the city’s industrial past and innovative engineering.
The Graapovsky Bridge’s history dates back to 1914. A three-span wooden beam bridge stood here then. Its length was 20.4 meters. Its width was only 9.2 meters. The bridge got its name from the Graapovy brothers. They owned a nearby wood yard. The wood yard was well-known in those days.
In 1929, the bridge underwent major repairs. The structure remained unchanged. Wooden stringers were replaced with metal beams. This strengthened the bridge. It prepared it for the future.
By 1963, the wooden bridge was rebuilt. It became a single-span reinforced concrete bridge. This was under the project of engineer Yu.L. Yurkov. Architect L.N. Noskov also worked on it. The bridge features an original frame suspension system. Its superstructure includes land triangular frames. These are embedded in abutments. Suspension beams rest against a cross beam. This connects the frame ends. Frames and suspension beams use modular reinforced concrete elements. The roadway is a reinforced concrete slab.
The Graapovsky Bridge’s abutments are massive. They are made of monolithic reinforced concrete. They also sit on a pile foundation. The cone is reinforced with precast concrete slabs. The road over Graapovsky Bridge leads to St. Petersburg’s main bus terminal. Many city visitors know this.
The roadway has an asphalt concrete pavement. Sidewalks feature sand asphalt. Granite curbs separate the sidewalk from the roadway. The railing combines cast iron sections and metal inserts. Granite pedestals are at the railing ends. They are 80 cm in diameter.
The Graapovsky Bridge has reinforced concrete abutments. They have an interesting design. They are made through with inclined feet. These feet are pushed forward. This innovative constructive decision reduced the bridge’s beam span. The overall length of the Graapovsky Bridge is 28.8 meters. Its width is 20.56 meters.
So, as you cross the Graapovsky Bridge, remember its transformation. From a wooden bridge to an innovative concrete structure. It stands as a testament to St. Petersburg’s history and engineering. The Graapovsky Bridge connects not just roads but also the past and present.