The new Eastern ring road of Thessaloniki (located in the city of Thessaloniki in Northern Greece), known as Thessaloniki flyover, will be one of the most emblematic road axes in Greece. It is a 13 km long motorway, including 9 interchanges, 10 new bridges and 3 new tunnels as well as the longest (4 km) elevated expressway bridge in the country.

The construction of this elevated bridge follows a span-to-span erection using the concept of OverHead Movable Scaffolding System (OH-MSS).

HiSCS representing NRS, a worldwide leading expertise in the design and supply of specialized bridge erection equipment, has been involved in the supply of two OH-MSS systems for this project.

OH-MSS is a special-purpose, self-launching system, used in bridge construction, specifically for cast-in-situ prestressed multi span/segment concrete bridges.

The system consists of a steel structure (main girders) spanning between two piers from which formwork is supported. The inner formworks (core form) are collapsible and can run on a rail system to allow easy relocation to the next span. The system is designed so that the outer formwork can be opened sufficiently and adequately allowing to move along the bridge piers during the launching operation. After launching, the formwork is closed again and after setting to the designed alignment and level, placing of reinforcement and casting can commence.

There are ancillary components such as plywood sheeting, threaded bars, and hydraulic systems required for safe and efficient operation.

The design of this specific OH-MSS is based on the following assumptions:

• Max. span: 50m
• Max. concreting length: 45m
• Weight of superstructure: 42t /m
• Max. span weight: 1966 tons
• Min. horizontal radius: 1100 m
• Max. longitudinal slope: 6%
• Max. super elevation / cross fall: 2,5%
• Typical width of span: 22,20m

Stay tuned for more updates.