Bridges have always played an important role in the human history. At the very beginning their function, and the only function, was to connect river shores or to create an easier path above a deep valley. Today their highly important functionality in the complex infrastructure of many cities and countries is undeniable. But the bridges took on another role – they became landmarks.
Majority of the bridges is constructed from steel which is a versatile material that extends the life duration and is very easy to form. Steel bridges can exist for decades with only regular maintenance to ensure their safety. Steel also has been recognized as an economic option for a wide range of bridges. It dominates the market of long span bridges, railway bridges and highway structures. These constructions usually have very unique design and very quickly become landmarks that are very popular tourist attractions. As an example :
Steel bridges are taking the advantage of the latest advances of automated production and construction techniques that helps to find economic solutions, ensure safety demands, rapid construction, flexibility for future use, aesthetics and shallow construction.
Using steel as a construction material also brings environmental benefits
- Steel is easy to recycle and re-use
- Minimum CO2 and energy burdens
- Minimum waste
- Lightweight construction
Jana K. // SMC Media Editor
Shanghai Metal Corporation 