Ponte Barberino, a new bridge over the Trebbia river
About the Project
The new bridge was conceived as a steel arch structure using corten steel, chosen for its durability and low maintenance requirements. The design includes a single-lane roadway with alternating traffic and a dedicated cycle path, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainable transportation.
Incide Engineering S.R.L. was responsible for the executive design, which encompassed architectural, structural, civil, and electrical aspects, as well as the design of the road connections. The project adhered to the Italian Highway Code and the specific requirements of the Emilia-Romagna Region and Civil Protection Authority, particularly for works within the riverbed. Beyond the structural design, Incide also managed BIM coordination and later assumed operational oversight of the construction site.
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Engineering Challenges
The engineering team faced significant challenges due to the hydraulic complexity of the Trebbia River and the strict regulatory framework governing interventions in its bed. The initial task involved adapting the definitive design to comply with updated codes and environmental prescriptions, which required careful consideration of both structural and ecological factors.
The situation became even more demanding during the summer of 2025 when severe floods caused additional settlements in the structure, forcing a redesign of one of the abutments. These events highlighted the unpredictability of the site conditions and the need for rapid, precise engineering solutions to maintain safety and project timelines.
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Solutions and Results
To overcome these challenges, Incide Engineering adopted a multi-faceted approach. The choice of corten steel was fundamental, providing enhanced resistance to corrosion and reducing long-term maintenance in a flood-prone environment. The design was revised to meet all regulatory and hydraulic constraints, ensuring compliance with national and regional standards.
When the floods caused structural settlements, the team quickly re-engineered one abutment, optimizing its foundation and geometry to withstand future hydraulic stresses.
BIM tools played a crucial role in facilitating multidisciplinary coordination, allowing for efficient updates and precise execution on-site. Finally, Incide’s involvement in operational site management ensured that the design intent was faithfully translated into reality, reinforcing quality control throughout the construction process.
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The result is a robust and elegant bridge that restores a vital connection for Bobbio while embodying principles of durability, safety, and sustainability. The Barberino Bridge stands as an example of adaptive engineering and the effective integration of advanced materials and digital workflows in modern infrastructure projects.
Incide Engineering S.R.L.
Incide Engineering S.R.L. is a global integrated engineering firm headquartered in Padua, Italy. Founded in 1998, over more than twenty-five years of growth, it has evolved into a structured organisation of over 60 professionals, offering a multidisciplinary and multi-sector service portfolio while maintaining a personalised approach and an artisanal level of care for each client.
