Understanding the Carola Bridge Collapse: Expert Insights

The sudden collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden on September 11, 2024, highlights the critical importance of identifying and addressing hidden structural issues in aging infrastructure. An expert report presented by Prof. Steffen Marx from the Institute of Concrete Structures at TU Dresden has shed light on the underlying causes, providing valuable insights for civil engineers worldwide.

According to Prof. Marx, the collapse of section C of the Carola Bridge was triggered by hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking. This corrosion began during the bridge's construction, hidden within its steel elements, and remained undetectable from the surface for decades. Combined with material fatigue caused by continuous traffic loads, this deterioration eventually led to the catastrophic failure of the cantilever arm.

The findings underscore the limitations of traditional inspection methods. Prof. Marx emphasized that acoustic emission measurements are essential to detect such concealed damage, which could otherwise remain invisible until it's too late.

The report also examined sections A and B of the bridge, revealing extensive corrosion damage similar to that of section C. Prof. Marx concluded that the remaining portions of the Carola Bridge have reached the end of their load-bearing capacity and face an imminent risk of collapse. As a result, the complete demolition of the bridge is deemed unavoidable.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive maintenance and advanced inspection techniques to ensure the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure. By prioritizing innovative monitoring solutions, engineers can prevent similar failures and safeguard public safety.

Click here to read more on the Carola Bridge failure.