How Poor Drainage can lead to Structural Damage
Bridge Drainage
Innovative drainage system for bridges made out of recycled plastic bottles
The recent collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden highlights a critical issue in our infrastructure: the devastating impact of corrosion due to poor drainage. Initial investigations point to corrosion as a significant factor in the collapse, potentially linked to damage caused by water infiltration over time, a problem familiar to many aging bridges. We want to raise awareness and alert the world to this critical issue.
Take note of the importance of proper drainage systems, as demonstrated by this bridge in Regensburg. Prior to renovation, the drainage issues caused significant problems, but those have since been fully resolved. Today, the bridge is in excellent condition, thanks to the restoration work.
Link to video:
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In the video above, we showcase how a broken drainage pipe led to visible corrosion damage on the bridge's foundation. This damage not only delayed the renovation project by several months but also incurred significant extra costs.
This problem isn't isolated. In our nine years of attending symposia and examining infrastructure, We’ve repeatedly seen that inadequate drainage systems are a leading cause of corrosion in bridge structures. Whether it's inside the bridge or in external systems, conventional drainage solutions using pipes and gullies often lead to water damage, resulting in structural integrity issues. Our BridgeDrainage system, using hollow kerbs (or "Holbordrennen" in Germany), offers an innovative solution to prevent such damage by ensuring efficient water runoff and protecting vital bridge components.
!! Additional Note: The Oberpfalz Bridge is a great example of how things can be done right: it was renovated in a timely and well-prepared manner. However, we want to emphasize the problems that can arise from corrosion on bridges if timely action is not taken. We have seen firsthand that the issues with aging bridges are often underestimated. That’s why this is so important. We want to raise awareness and alert the world to this critical issue.