Carbon Concrete as a Pioneering Bridge Deck Solution

The Franklin footbridge in Mannheim represents an innovative infrastructure project that impressively demonstrates the potential of carbon concrete in bridge construction. The bridge combines modern architectural design with durable, resource-efficient construction and sets new standards in lightweight yet high-performance structural engineering.
Precast carbon concrete slabs were used as the load-bearing superstructure, forming both the deck structure and the entire bridge wearing surface. The slabs feature a variable thickness of 80 to 119 mm, enabling an especially efficient construction thanks to their low self-weight while maintaining high load-bearing capacity.
The use of high-strength concrete with a compressive strength class of C70/85 ensures maximum durability and resistance to mechanical and environmental influences.

High-Performance Reinforcement solidian GRID

The tension zone of the slabs was reinforced with three layers of solidian GRID Q95-C-EP-s38-F278. This carbon reinforcement provides:

  • high load-bearing reserves
  • complete corrosion resistance
  • reduced component thickness
  • long service life with minimal maintenance requirements

 

Technical Data

  • Length: approx. 45 m
  • Average width: approx. 4.85 m
  • Span: approx. 1.40 m
  • Concrete: High-strength concrete C70/85
  • Reinforcement: 3 layers of solidian GRID Q95-C-EP-s38-F278

Project Partners

Photos: © knippershelbig GmbH