This book is an outcome of the research project ECOBRIDGE Demonstration of ECOnomical BRIDGE solutions based on innovative composite dowels and integrated abutments RFCS CT 2010-00024, which has been co-funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (R.F.C.S.) of the European Community.

The main topics of the book are the following: design of integral bridges, innovative composite dowels for the shear transmission, construction of bridges, structural analysis of bridges and monitoring. The book joins the technical experience and the contributions of the involved research partners. The technical content of all the papers is present-day in the field of the design, construction and monitoring of innovative composite bridges. The efficient design and construction improve and consolidate the market position of steel construction and steel producing industry. In addition, the advanced forms of construction are contributing to savings in material and energy consumption for the structure during production and maintenance. All time savings in construction and maintenance result in large benefits for the bridge owners but also for the community as less disturbance of the traffic will occur.

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The bridges are vital structures for the transport infrastructure. It is a fact that, in the last decades, composite bridges became a well-liked solution in many European countries as a cost-effective and aesthetic alternative to concrete bridges. Their competitiveness depends on several circumstances such as site conditions, local costs of material and staff and the contractor s experience. Beside the classical solutions, the new ones with efficient design and construction improve and consolidate the market position of steel construction and steel producing industry. The book contains the technical description, the construction details, economic aspects and the results of monitoring and testing of already executed bridge structures implementing composite dowels realised within the research RFCS project entitled Eco Bridge."