A steel giant stretches across the cityscape. This, my friends, is the Kempelenbrücke. A relatively new addition to Vienna’s impressive collection of bridges, the Kempelenbrücke officially opened in 2018. It gracefully connects the 3rd and 10th districts of Vienna, spanning the widened Gudrunstraße underpass. This bridge isn’t just a convenient pathway for cyclists and pedestrians. It’s a marvel of modern engineering. The Kempelenbrücke boasts a single-span steel trough bridge design, with an impressive span of roughly 35 meters. Its northern side integrates seamlessly with the piles and abutments, eliminating the need for bearings and roadway transitions. On the south side, however, things get interesting. Here, the bridge rests on pot bearings atop the existing wall of the Gudrunstraße underpass. An expansion joint construction absorbs any longitudinal movements, preventing horizontal loads from impacting the existing wall. Imagine the precision required to construct such a structure, lifting massive segments weighing up to 71 tonnes into place with a 500-tonne telescopic crane. These segments, each 18 meters long and 7.10 meters wide, were carefully aligned and welded on an assembly frame. This meticulous planning and execution allowed for the use of a single crane type, making the project both efficient and cost-effective. So, the next time you cross the Kempelenbrücke, take a moment to appreciate not just its functionality, but also the ingenuity and precision that brought this steel giant to life. It stands as a testament to modern engineering and a vital link in Vienna’s vibrant urban fabric.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to