Aluminum has been a key material in bridge construction for about 80 years, but its application has often been fragmented. Today, with increasing international cooperation, the aluminum industry is witnessing new opportunities and innovative projects, particularly in the field of extruded aluminum. From Canada to Norway, the potential of aluminum in bridge construction is being explored like never before, leading to a bright future for this versatile material.
Widespread Use of Aluminum in Bridges
Aluminum offers numerous advantages for bridge construction. Its ability to accelerate construction and installation processes makes it an ideal choice for modern projects. Additionally, aluminum has a lower carbon footprint compared to other materials, especially when produced using renewable energy sources. One of aluminum’s standout properties is its high resistance to atmospheric corrosion, which significantly reduces maintenance costs compared to concrete, steel, and wood designs.
The lightweight nature of aluminum is another crucial factor. At the same stiffness, aluminum bridges weigh half as much as steel bridges and a quarter as much as concrete bridges. This makes transportation and installation more manageable. Moreover, aluminum is completely recyclable, adding to its environmental appeal. Aluminum extrusions, in particular, are highly suitable for designing pedestrian and vehicle bridges, offering flexibility and creativity in design. However, challenges remain in meeting the load-bearing capacity and length requirements for large extrusions.
New Projects in Norway and Canada
Norway and Canada are leading the way in innovative aluminum bridge projects. Hydro, a prominent aluminum producer in Norway, is actively promoting the use of aluminum in various applications, including bridges. According to Thomas B. Svendsen, market manager for Hydro’s extrusion solutions, aluminum’s properties make it exceptionally suitable for bridge construction. The Langenuen Bridge, south of Bergen, is a notable example. This exciting project will be built using aluminum, highlighting its potential in modern bridge design.
In Quebec, Canada, Laval University is undertaking a significant bridge project under harsh climatic conditions. The vehicular bridge will feature an extruded aluminum deck on steel beams, with the extrusions joined using gas metal arc welding (GMAW). This project not only focuses on cost-effectiveness but also emphasizes the importance of reducing the carbon footprint in new designs. Another innovative project in Norway involves a pedestrian bridge across the railway line in Trondheim, which will use 100% recycled aluminum, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
Targeting Road Bridges
The use of aluminum in road bridges presents unique challenges due to the large amount of material required. However, new ideas are emerging, driven by advances in aluminum panels and friction stir welding. Benoît Cusson, a structural designer at Canadian consulting firm WSP, highlights modern applications that envision new solutions for road bridges. Mario Fafard, a Quebec aluminum consultant, points out that regulatory changes and the adoption of aluminum as a standard material by transportation departments are crucial for wider acceptance. Considering the total cost of ownership and the environmental footprint of materials is essential for the future of aluminum in road bridges.
Application of Aluminum in Future Bridges
Between the 1950s and 1970s, the United States and Canada saw the construction of about 660,000 public road bridges. According to the 2021 National Bridge Inventory by the Federal Highway Administration, more than 43,000 bridges in the United States are currently in poor condition. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act introduced in 2023 aims to invest $40 billion in repairing and rebuilding national bridges. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for aluminum. The Biden administration’s plan to improve approximately 15,000 highway bridges, along with bridges not part of the federal highway system, is expected to be the largest dedicated investment in bridges since the Eisenhower era.
Meanwhile, the Russian Aluminum Association has announced the country’s first aluminum road bridge. The 72-meter-long bridge on the Tolokontsevo–Mogiltsy highway features spans and orthotropic plates made from aluminum alloy, connected using friction stir welding. These developments underscore the bright future of aluminum in bridge construction.
Conclusion
The benefits of aluminum in bridge construction are clear, from its lightweight and recyclable nature to its high resistance to atmospheric corrosion and reduced maintenance costs. International cooperation and innovative projects are expanding the applications of aluminum in bridge design, paving the way for a sustainable and efficient future. As industry experts continue to demonstrate the value of aluminum, the next few years promise to be exciting, with significant advancements expected in aluminum bridge projects.
By embracing aluminum, we can look forward to a new era of bridge construction that prioritizes sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.