EGGA-Galvanizing Europe, the trade body for the after-fabrication batch hot dip galvanizing sector, has launched a new cross-sector collaboration to advance the use of galvanized steel bridges across Europe. The ‘Short-Medium Span Galvanized Steel Bridge Interest Group’ is established through an exciting collaboration with the Bridge Committee of the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork (ECCS). The initiative will examine:
• Best practice in design and modular concepts
• Sustainability information and approaches
• Durability estimation and corrosion specifications
• Future research needs
Galvanized steel bridges are ideal solutions for short-medium spans that require innovative or bespoke solutions, modular installation and optimal durability. Iqbal Johal, chair of the EGGA Marketing Committee said “We are convinced that the future use of galvanized steel bridges is important to create a circular, sustainable, climate-resilient and cost-effective infrastructure”
When launching the initiative at the exhibition within the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork’s ‘Steel Bridges 2024’ held in Prague on 12-13 September, examples of modularity, circular design and high levels of durability were highlighted to bring reality to these concepts:
The Comenius Footbridge in Jaromer, Czech Republic was designed by baum & baris architekten and installed by Excon AS with a high level of modularity for ease of installation and to take advantage of the extensive maintenance-free durability of galvanizing to EN ISO 1461.
The Riviere Cochon Gras Bridge helps the community of Perches in Haiti and is adapted from a reused 25 metre section of the temporary Fore River Bridge which carried people over the river between North Weymouth and Quincy Point, Massachusetts, USA for 15 years.
Having started life as a temporary galvanized steel bridge, the Callender Hamiliton bridge at Lydlinch, UK is still in good condition 82 years after it was erected in 1942 in preparation for transporting military equipment for D Day and demonstrates the high levels of durability that can be achieved with a galvanized bridge.
The European General Galvanizers Association is the federation of the national galvanizers associations within Europe. EGGA monitors and responds to issues affecting the general galvanizing industry in Europe, in particular environmental, technical and regulatory matters. EGGA also provides a platform for coordination of marketing and other initiatives for the industry.
ECCS is the only organisation which brings together the steel industry, the fabricators and contracting specialists, and the academic world through an international network of construction representatives, steel producers and technical centres.
The Short-Medium Span Galvanized Steel Bridge Interest Group will examine best design practice, sustainability, circular design, performance monitoring, specification and research needs. Membership is free to those with a genuine interest in the objectives of the group.
Interested? Click here to join!
