Custom Welded Steel Bridge: Compact Design, Composite Deck and Vibration Damping

July 31, 2025 - Blog

This project perfectly showcases Cadeli’s approach: precise modeling, smart detailing, and fully customized delivery.

◉ Fully welded – no bolts, no on-site assembly

A key decision for this bridge was to fabricate it entirely in the workshop and deliver it as a single welded piece. This significantly reduced on-site installation time, minimized construction risks, and improved structural integrity by eliminating bolted joints. Fabricating in a controlled environment also ensured high welding quality and tight tolerances throughout the structure.

◉ Prepared for concrete deck – studs for composite action

The bridge was designed to support a concrete deck, so we welded shear studs to the main steel beams in advance. These studs allow composite action between the steel and concrete, improving load capacity and structural stiffness. This required close coordination with the concrete works team to ensure a precise fit and efficient deck casting.

◉ Roof panels supported by purlins

The top of the structure was fitted with lightweight roof panels. We added steel purlins, welded directly onto the main trusses, to support these panels. The result was a simple, efficient, and clean solution that enabled fast panel installation and maintained the bridge’s structural elegance.

◉ Vibration damping with prefab components

At both ends of the bridge, it rests on prefabricated commercial elements designed to reduce vibration transmission to and from the foundations. To integrate these components effectively, we customized the steelwork to match their geometry and connection requirements precisely. This allowed us to avoid complicated adapters and ensured a seamless interface.

◉ Fully modeled in BIM – no surprises on site

As with all our projects, the entire bridge was modeled in Tekla Structures, down to every weld, stud, purlin, and vibration isolation component. This comprehensive model enabled smooth collaboration between designers, contractors, and stakeholders, and helped ensure that everything went to plan during installation.

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The Cadeli Way

This bridge is a great example of how smart engineering, detailed planning, and expert fabrication can deliver a high-performance solution with minimal complexity on-site.

➤ Looking for a steel partner who delivers precision, speed, and adaptability? Let’s talk.