Brückenkern

Brückenkern is a German term used in civil engineering and bridge design to describe the central load-bearing core of a bridge. It denotes the set of structural elements that form the primary path for forces from the deck to the supports and foundations, typically including the main structural members (such as girders or arches), their reinforcement, and the connections to piers and abutments. The Brückenkern is responsible for the bridge’s stiffness and stability and influences its ability to carry dead loads, live loads, wind, and seismic or dynamic effects. In practice, engineers identify and assess the Brückenkern during design, construction, and retrofit to ensure adequate strength and redundancy. Strengthening the Brückenkern may involve adding or upgrading members, reinforcing joints, or improving anchorage and deck-to-core connections.

Factors affecting the Brückenkern include material properties (concrete, steel), geometry, support conditions, temperature effects, and deterioration such as corrosion or cracking. Inspections, non-destructive testing, and monitoring target the integrity of the Brückenkern because failures in this core region can compromise the entire structure.

Usage: The term is primarily found in German-language literature and technical discussions. In English-language bridge engineering, the concept may be described more generally as the bridge's load path or structural core.

See also: Brücke, Tragwerk, Pfeiler, Stütze.