Brandenburg Monitors Bridges After Dresden Collapse

Brandenburg Monitors Bridges After Dresden Collapse

zeit.de

Brandenburg Monitors Bridges After Dresden Collapse

Three Brandenburg bridges, built with Hennigsdorf steel, are under close surveillance due to potential collapse, mirroring concerns raised by the Dresden Carola Bridge collapse. Authorities are installing monitoring systems and implementing weight restrictions.

German
Germany
JusticeGermany TransportInfrastructurePublic SafetyConstructionSteelBridge CollapseBridge SafetyHennigsdorf Steel
Verkehrsministerium (Brandenburg)Afd-LandtagsfraktionStahlwerk HennigsdorfStraßenbauverwaltung BrandenburgLandesregierung Sachsen
Martin Dulig
What immediate actions are being taken in Brandenburg to address the potential collapse of bridges built with Hennigsdorf steel?
Three bridges in Brandenburg are under constant monitoring due to potential collapse. They were built using Hennigsdorf steel, a material suspected in the Dresden Carola Bridge collapse. Two of these bridges carry the heavily trafficked B96.
What broader implications does the suspected link between Hennigsdorf steel and bridge collapses have for infrastructure safety in Germany?
The use of Hennigsdorf steel, produced until 1993, is a significant concern, prompting monitoring of 71 Brandenburg bridges using this material. The Fürstenberg/Havel bridge showed wire breaks in 2021/2022, leading to weight restrictions. Similar concerns exist in Saxony, with 19 bridges under special scrutiny.
What long-term strategies should be implemented to prevent similar incidents involving aging infrastructure and potentially faulty materials?
The ongoing monitoring highlights the long-term risks associated with aging infrastructure and specific construction materials. The need for proactive inspections and potential material replacements underscores the need for preventative maintenance to avoid future collapses and disruptions.

Cognitive Concepts

4/5

Framing Bias

The headline and introduction emphasize the potential danger posed by bridges containing Hennigsdorfer Spannstahl, creating a sense of alarm. The article prioritizes information about bridges under monitoring and those that have collapsed, potentially creating a biased perception of the overall risk to the public. The repeated mention of the Dresden bridge collapse as a possible cause strengthens the focus on this specific type of steel.

2/5

Language Bias

The language used is generally neutral, but terms like "Einsturzgefahr" (collapse risk) and "Dauermessanlagen" (permanent measuring systems) could be perceived as alarmist. More neutral alternatives could include 'potential for collapse' and 'continuous monitoring systems'. The repeated emphasis on the Dresden bridge collapse might be perceived as emotionally charged.

3/5

Bias by Omission

The article focuses on bridges in Brandenburg using Hennigsdorfer Spannstahl and those in Saxony, but omits information on bridges in other German states that might also contain this type of steel. This omission could lead to an incomplete picture of the potential risk.

3/5

False Dichotomy

The article presents a false dichotomy by focusing primarily on the potential link between Hennigsdorfer Spannstahl and bridge collapses, without exploring other potential contributing factors such as design flaws, environmental factors, or maintenance issues. This oversimplification might mislead the reader into believing that the steel is the sole cause of the problem.

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Negative
Direct Relevance

The article highlights the potential failure of infrastructure (bridges) due to defects in construction materials (steel) from a specific manufacturer. This negatively impacts the sustainability and resilience of infrastructure, hindering economic development and safe transportation. The need for constant monitoring and potential repairs/replacements represent a significant financial burden and resource drain.