Rakennusosilta

Rakennusosilta is a Finnish term referring to a temporary bridge used in construction projects to provide a crossing where a permanent bridge is not yet available or is being built. It is designed for a limited life and is removed after the project is completed. The structure enables the movement of workers, equipment, materials, and sometimes traffic around a work site.

Temporary bridges can be modular or assembled on site and may use steel, timber, or concrete components. Common configurations include simple beam spans, steel truss, or modular deck systems. Some constructions use floating or pontoon-based arrangements for water crossings, while others are anchored to temporary or existing supports. Decking is typically designed with safety features such as guardrails, non-slip surfaces, and adequate lighting.

Installation and operation require careful planning as part of temporary works design. The bridge rests on abutments, piles, or other temporary supports and must meet load requirements for anticipated traffic and equipment. Regular inspections, weather considerations, and hazard controls are important, and a plan for rapid removal or transfer to a permanent crossing is usually in place.

Typical applications include road and railway construction, river or canal crossings during works, and building sites that temporarily interrupt existing routes. They provide a flexible, faster-to-implement crossing solution while minimizing disruption to surrounding infrastructure.

Note: in Finnish construction terminology, rakkanusosilta is related to, and sometimes used interchangeably with, tilt temporary bridge terms such as tilapäinen silta; the exact term can vary by project and region.