The Älvsbacka Bridge in Skellefteå is one of many pedestrian bridges constructed by Martinsons since the late 1980s and an innovative example of wood construction. It takes advantage of the environmental and other benefits from greater use of wood in building projects. Pedestrian bridges cause less inconvenience to traffic, as they reduce the number of pedestrian crossings. The wooden Älvsbacka Bridge in Skellefteå also provides several further advantages over other types of bridge:
• A high level of prefabrication, which makes for quick assembly.
• Low costs for foundation-laying and transport of materials.
• Offer the same standard of performance and technical lifespan as bridges made of steel and concrete.
• Competitive costs.
<h2>Growing interest in wooden bridges</h2>
The market for bridges is undergoing change, with wood becoming a more accepted choice of building material. Modern wooden bridges offer the same standard of performance and technical life as bridges made of steel and concrete. This goes for both pedestrian bridges and advanced overpasses designed to accommodate heavy vehicle traffic.
<h2>Researching the behaviour of materials</h2>
Luleå University of Technology is also involved in the construction of Älvsbacka Bridge, and an ongoing research programme is studying the behaviour of the wood under the influence of the region’s very cold winter temperatures. The research is being carried out using different sensors installed in the bridge.
<h2>Local, leading timber construction</h2>
The company behind the Älvsbacka Bridge, Martinsons, specialises in the development, design and construction of timber buildings and infrastructure, from bridges to apartments, office buildings, and much more. Its wood-based building systems make Martinsons a leading operator in the growing industry of sustainable wooden construction.
<h2>Sweden, and particularly its northern regions, is an optimal area to develop and innovate wooden construction, due to the long history of producing timber buildings, and the access to timber and the forestry industry. This makes it a place for innovative solutions that can help reduce the climate impact from the building sector.
Älvsbacka 931 45 Skellefteå Västerbottens län
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