The bridge railing fulfils decorative and functional tasks in the construction or modernisation of bridges made of concrete, stone, metal and synthetic materials. Railing is usually the attachment to the sides of the roadway and pedestrian walkways that encloses the bridge and makes it safer. In rare cases, the railing is also attached to the supports to provide additional stability.

History of bridge railings

While the construction of a simple bridge, for example from wooden planks, is an ancient cultural technique used in many civilisations, the attachment of railings was not always standard. Wooden bridges, as already known from the Neolithic period, did not have such a safeguard. In Lake Zurich, for example, there are remains of load-bearing pillars that may have supported a bridge more than 3,500 years ago. Such a bridge was more like a jetty by today's standards.

Bridge railings for safety

Bridge railings were first used where bridges exceeded a real height. On viaducts that could be walked and driven on, they were made of stone; on hanging bridges in the rainforest, they were made of lianas and rope. Modern bridges usually use steel railings for their construction, which not only provide safety for passers-by but also decelerate vehicles in an emergency. For safety's sake, a railing should therefore reach a height on which pedestrians can support themselves, for example to take souvenir photos or to let their gaze wander.

Decorative bridges around the world

One of the most famous bridge railings in the world is on the Pont des Arts in Paris. For decades, couples from all over the world have fastened locks here to cement their love. In Amsterdam, Venice, but also Berlin, particularly ornate railings are a real eye-catcher, immortalised in millions of tourist photos. Brick and stone railings in historically interesting regions also often tell their own architectural story. A beautiful, stylish and yet resilient railing can turn a less conspicuous bridge into a landmark.

Bridge railings bent with PBT

With PBT professional machines you can bend bridge railings to measure. The control is possible even without expert knowledge. All you need are the correct angle specifications and prepared materials. The exact bending of the elements guarantees a precisely fitting assembly result and thus high load-bearing capacity with the desired decorative appearance.