Modern composite bridges by VFT-WIB method in Poland realized at new express road S7 at Olsztynek-Nidzica sector - Economical Bridge Solutions based on Innovative Composite Dowels and Integrated Abutments - page 86

Figure 15: Steel shapes at front and girders of first line of the bridge in final position in
the background

This way the realization of prefabricated elements took place in final position (“Fig. 15”).
The reinforcing works of the girders could be made in parallel to the fabrication of cross-
beams. The welded connections of the steel girders using additional steel plates were assumed
instead of screwed connection usually used for VFT confirmed to be a good solution, as the
problem of tolerances (studied in detail at the design stage) really appeared. It was easy to
handle by welding, but it could be a real problem by screws. Moreover, it was a big problem
to realize the reinforcement of crossbeams (which was studied at the design stage also) - due
to aesthetics relatively small crossbeams and pillars were used (“Fig. 16”, “Fig. 17”). This
way many bars in the transition zone between pillar and crossbeam was a hard task to handle.

Figure 16: Reinforcement of the top of pillar to be casted in the crossbeam