Effective waterproofing is essential to ensure the durability and structural safety of bridges and viaducts.
In this article, published on the INGENIO portal, we present two different case studies carried out in distinct contexts but united by the adoption of the same solution: TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE. Discover how this technology is enhancing performance and long-term protection in civil engineering infrastructures.
WHY WATERPROOFING IS CRUCIAL IN REINFORCED CONCRETE INFRASTRUCTURES
Waterproofing reinforced concrete structures is a key factor in the maintenance and management of civil engineering works, as it directly affects their durability, safety, and service life.
In particular, railway bridges and highways are subject not only to constant mechanical stresses but also to environmental factors such as humidity, salinity, thermal variations, and aggressive weathering agents, all of which can compromise structural integrity if not adequately protected.
BRIDGES AND VIADUCTS: DECK AND FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING WITH A SINGLE TECHNOLOGY
It is significant to note how, in two very different projects—one involving a railway bridge in Trieste, Italy, and the other a bridge along the Hemus motorway in Bulgaria—the same product was chosen for the waterproofing and protection of foundations and reinforced concrete structures: TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE, a bitumen-polymer membrane developed by Copernit LAB and the subject of a dedicated study in collaboration with the Università Politecnica delle Marche.
This strategic decision to employ a single solution highlights the versatility, reliability, and proven performance of the technology in providing an effective barrier against water ingress and aggressive agents across diverse application scenarios.
On the Trieste railway bridge, a crucial hub for intermodal traffic connecting Italy with Central and Eastern Europe, the use of TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE on both deck and foundations provided durable protection against humidity, saline exposure, and freeze–thaw cycles. Its application prevents crack formation and corrosion, thereby safeguarding structural integrity while reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Along the Hemus motorway in Bulgaria, a strategic project designed to strengthen the link between Sofia and the Black Sea (with an overall length of approximately 420 km), the same membrane was installed on key sections to protect the main foundations and reinforced concrete superstructures. This choice proved highly effective, given Bulgaria’s climatic conditions and the increasing traffic load, which make a reliable and thoroughly tested waterproofing solution indispensable.
TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE: THE VERSATILE AND DURABLE BITUMEN-POLYMER MEMBRANE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE WATERPROOFING
The adoption of TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE in both projects demonstrates how an advanced technology, when applied with precision and expertise, can overcome contextual and functional differences in civil engineering works.
Its compatibility with a wide range of structures, compliance with sector standards, and proven long-term performance make this membrane a cornerstone of preventive and corrective maintenance strategies for major infrastructure.
In conclusion, the decision to rely on the same product for two very different infrastructures underscores the importance of a design and maintenance philosophy grounded in reliable, innovative, and versatile technologies.
Waterproofing with TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE is an exemplary case of how civil engineering can benefit from advanced technical solutions to ensure durable, safe, and sustainable infrastructures over time, regardless of geographical or functional context.
Composition and Technical Features of the Membrane
TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE is an elastoplastomeric compound membrane, manufactured by modifying distilled bitumen with polyolefins and selected copolymers. It is characterized by:
- excellent flexibility at low temperatures,
- high adhesive properties;
- resistance to ageing and UV exposure.
The polymer-rich compound ensures long-lasting overlap sealing and allows for easy installation with consistently high-quality results.
The specific combination of compound and reinforcement makes TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE particularly suitable for applications where the waterproofing layer is exposed to both static and dynamic stresses—conditions typical in the waterproofing of hydraulic works, road infrastructures, bridges, parking areas, or trafficable surfaces in general.
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The Copernit EXTRA BRIDGE range includes waterproofing membranes designed for concrete road infrastructures, complemented by SAMI geocomposites from the PRO ROAD range, developed for the reinforcement of road pavements.
For detailed information regarding performance, certifications, and other technical specifications, please refer to the TECNOPOL EXTRA BRIDGE Technical Data Sheet, where comprehensive data and application guidelines are available.
