Danube River Bridge completes mid-span closure

The Danube River Bridge on the Novi Sad-Ruma Expressway in Serbia achieved full main span continuity on June 18, following the completion of concrete placement for its closure segment.

The bridge stretches 1,663 meters, with its main structure designed as a two-pylon, three-span extradosed cable-stayed bridge (134 meters, 235 meters, and 134 meters). The final closure gap was only 2 meters wide, making it highly sensitive to shifting dimensions, elevation, and alignment caused by wide box girders, high-altitude operations, and day-night temperature swings.

The construction team simulated working conditions in advance and continuously monitored temperature, girder elevation, gap length, and pylon deflection to select a stable low-temperature window. Five hydraulic jacks applied a total thrust of 1,700 metric tons in four staged loading cycles.

After meeting control targets, 26 stiff skeleton assemblies locked the girders. Workers placed concrete symmetrically for the closure section while removing counterweights on both sides to maintain structural balance, completing the pour within three hours.

This milestone is critical for the 45.18-kilometer Novi Sad-Ruma Expressway. The project will proceed with post-tensioning grouting and structural system transformation.

The Danube River Bridge on the Novi Sad-Ruma Expressway in Serbia achieves full main span continuity. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]