Sustainable deconstruction of two bridges

Abstract

Deconstruction is an actual concept strongly correlated with sustainability. When existing structures are not able to fulfill the present needs, deconstruction can give them a second life with regard to the sustainable concept of development. Deconstruction includes renewal, rehabilitation, or reconstruction; it is more economical to refurbish, rather than rebuild. The paper presents two typical examples in this direction: The reconstruction of an existing bridge situated in an active agricultural area and the re–use of a former portal crane girder for a pedestrian bridge.