Pipe bridges are built to allow pipelines to cross rivers, ravines, and unstable areas. They can transport water, effluents, and liquefied natural gas. Engineers consider weight, weather, and environmental impact when designing these bridges. Some are built on site, while others are assembled nearby and lifted into place. In northern countries, mechanical pipe bridge crossings are used to prevent frozen pipes.
A pipe bridge is a purpose-built bridge that allows a pipeline to flow over rivers, highway overpasses, deep ravines, or geologically or ecologically unstable or vulnerable areas. Pipes spanning these bridges may serve to supply a city with water from a river or reservoir or to irrigation stations on large agricultural plantations. Additionally, pipelines can transport effluents from mining operations to loading areas for trucking or rail transport. Sometimes they transport liquefied natural gas from a plant’s processing area to rail lines or ports for loading onto tankers. There are also sometimes pedestrian or maintenance paths next to the tube bridges.
The design of a pipe bridge must take into account the weight of the pipes when carrying a full load and the effects of atmospheric conditions both on the pipes themselves and on the bridges that hold them. Engineers perform material tests of materials used in the construction of pipe bridges and structural and dynamic stress tests of completed designs for expected climate and weather patterns in the region where the bridge is to be built. Some projects create bridges that protect precious natural resources and leave as little space as possible in wilderness areas. Whenever possible, suspension bridges are designed to carry pipelines above the underlying ecosystems; this often results in designs that are both practical and visually appealing.
Many suspension bridges over rivers or ravines are built on site and carefully constructed to withstand extreme weather and wind conditions. Bridges constructed of steel and prestressed concrete are often built nearby in segments and then assembled on supporting abutments and piers. One such bridge in South Africa was rebuilt just off the site. Then, the entire bridge, weighing 156.5 short tons (142 metric tons), was lowered into place using a heavy lift crane. After the completed bridge was fully applied on its support system, more than 441 short tons (400 metric tons) in concrete walkway and hand railings were added.
Pipe bridges carrying water pipes in northern countries must also consider the effects of winter. Therefore, these bridges can be built that encase iron pipes in what are called mechanical pipe bridge crossings. These mechanical crossings include an aluminum sheath around the iron pipes, with a heated source inside that keeps the water at a constant temperature no matter how cold it is. These isolated pipe designs help ensure that a city’s water supplies are not compromised by frozen pipes.
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