Afvejningsdelen

The Afvejningsdelen is a structural element found in Danish concrete bridges, particularly those constructed before World War II. A "delen" is a Danish term meaning a structural component, and "Afvejnings" refers to the method of transferring loads to the bridge's substructure. In the context of Afvejningsdelen, it describes the segment of the bridge that bears the extraordinary loads, such as those experienced during floods or heavy traffic.

The Afvejningsdelen is typically located near the crown of the bridge and serves as a transition zone between the bridge's superstructure and substructure. It is designed to withstand significantly higher loads than the surrounding bridge sections and is often wider and stronger than the rest of the bridge. The Afvejningsdelen is normally constructed from reinforced concrete and is integrated into the bridge's transverse and longitudinal structural systems.

The primary purpose of the Afvejningsdelen is to ensure the safe passage of extraordinary loads across the bridge, thereby reducing the stress and potential damage to the bridge's structure. It serves as a diffuser, distributing the forces across the bridge's substructure to prevent excessive settlements or loads on the piers and abutments.

While the Afvejningsdelen has been largely replaced by modern bridge design principles and materials, many historic bridges in Denmark still feature this structural component. The Afvejningsdelen remains an important part of the country's transportation infrastructure and engineering history, providing valuable insights into the design and construction methods of early 20th-century concrete bridges.