Gänsebachtalbrücke, Railway bridge in Buttstädt, Germany
The Gänsebachtalbrücke is a railway bridge made of prestressed concrete near Buttstädt that spans across the valley. The structure consists of ten independent segments with slender round supports and reinforcing plates that shape its appearance.
The structure was built in 2012 and represents a recent development in German railway bridge design engineered for high-speed trains. Its construction method with monolithic connections between substructure and superstructure follows modern engineering standards.
The bridge received the German Bridge Construction Prize in 2014 for its advanced engineering methods and integration with the surrounding landscape.
The bridge is visible from the nearby village of Buttstädt and is suitable for anyone wanting to photograph modern infrastructure. The best viewing opportunity comes from the surrounding roads and paths that offer sight lines to the structure.
The design eliminates expensive technical elements such as bearings and rail expansion joints by dividing the construction into ten independent blocks. This practical approach reduces maintenance work and extends the lifespan of the entire installation.
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