Bendorf Bridge

The Bendorf Bridge is a prestressed concrete bridge that spans the Rhine River near Koblenz, Germany. Completed in 1962, it was designed by German engineer Ulrich Finsterwalder. The bridge is notable for its thin piers and a central span of 202 meters (673 feet). Finsterwalder utilized a double cantilever method of construction, which eliminated the need for scaffolding in the river and allowed for a shallower girder depth, saving on materials and costs. This construction technique gives the bridge an elegant, shallow arch appearance. The Bendorf Bridge exemplifies the advancements in concrete bridge design that emerged after World War II, demonstrating prestressed concrete's ability to compete with steel in both cost and structural efficiency.1