A groundbreaking composite truss bridge installed in Bergen, Norway

Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge was constructed by CSUB in Arendal for contractor Consto, commissioned by Vestland County. With engineering expertise from Fireco and Multiconsult, the Paradis Bridge is a testament to the collaborative innovation stemming from Norwegian skills and production technology.

Revolutionary use of composite materials

The Paradis Bridge is the largest of its kind in the world. The entire structure was vacuum-infused in 3 sections, which were seamlessly joined together. The materials used include a combination of carbon fibre, glass fibre and vinylester. Composites are lighter than steel and concrete, while also being extremely strong and resistant to corrosion. This results in longer lifespan, reduced maintenance and lower long-term costs.

“Composite materials offer us new opportunities in bridge construction and civil engineering in general. Where traditional materials have limitations, composites allow us to design structures that are both lighter and stronger. The Paradis Bridge is a perfect example of how this material can be utilised to solve complex engineering challenges,” says Alf Egil Jensen from FiReCo. “This is the largest bridge of its kind in the world, demonstrating just how far we can go with composites.”

A maintenance-free future

One of the most significant advantages of composite bridges is their nearly maintenance-free characteristics. Unlike steel and concrete bridges, which often require continuous inspection and repair due to rust, wear and degradation, composites inherently resist these issues. The Paradis Bridge is expected to have a lifespan exceeding 100 years, without the need for major maintenance work.

“What truly sets composite bridges apart is their long lifespan and maintenance-free nature, making them highly cost-effective over their lifetime. They don’t require treatment against corrosion and perform better in various weather conditions than traditional materials. This offers substantial benefits both economically and environmentally,” explains Jon Inge Brattekås from CSUB. “With the Paradis Bridge, we have created a structure that is not only strong and durable but also requires minimal upkeep over time.”

Efficient transport and installation

The transportation from Arendal to Bergen was not without challenges, as the bridge had to navigate narrow roads and tight passages. However, it was successfully installed in record time over a light rail track with minimal disruption.

“The transport and installation of the bridge were demanding operations, but we managed it through careful planning and close collaboration. The actual installation over the light rail was swift, allowing us to minimise traffic disruption,” says Håkon Tryti Nilssen, construction manager at Vestland County Municipality. “This project has been challenging and we’ve learned a lot. Now we are proud of the outcome.”

An international milestone

The Paradis Bridge not only signifies a technological advancement for Norway but also represents a significant milestone for the European and international composite industry in civil engineering. The innovation and efficiency demonstrated during the project’s execution have already attracted attention from industry stakeholders across the continent.

“We see a bright future for composite materials in infrastructure projects. The Paradis Bridge exemplifies how we can leverage these materials to construct strong, sustainable bridges with longer lifespans and less maintenance,” concludes Jon Inge Brattekås from CSUB.

Cover photo: Paradis Bridge, Norway (credit: Vestland County)