Avesta Sheffield has secured a contract to supply 500 tonnes of material for the construction of the world’s first ever bridge with the outside made entirely from stainless steel. Located in Bilbao, Spain, the structure will take stainless steel to new levels of expression and technical sophistication.

Stretching across the Nervion River, the bridge will provide access from the University of Deustro to the unique Guggenheim museum, which represents a masterpiece of twentieth century architecture. Designed both for function and architectural appeal, the bridge itself will take over a year to construct and is due for completion in December 2001.

Avesta Sheffield will be supplying the project with hot rolled quarto plate in the high strength duplex grade SAF 2304, a material produced at Degerfors in Sweden. Quarto plate is individually rolled heavy plate and can be produced to stringent customer specifications with regard to steel composition and dimension. Furthermore, the duplex stainless steel provides a unique combination of outstanding corrosion resistance with strength, durability and ease of fabrication. The longevity of the steel makes it appealing for this project as it is imperative that the material used performs reliably over long periods with little maintenance.

Matti Paju, Avesta Sheffield’s Project Marketing Manager added: “Hot rolled quarto plate in SAF 2304 is an ideal material of construction for this bridge as it is likely to be exposed to the elements. We are going to supply all plates prefabricated and ready for welding. The bridge will offer an appealing contrast to the Guggenheim Museum which is made from titanium”.

Avesta Sheffield’s duplex stainless steels have an austenitic/ferritic microstructure, which in addition to high strength, ensures a better corrosion resistance than the standard austenitic stainless steels. It is these characteristics that enable Avesta Sheffield to give the material a life expectancy guarantee in excess of fifty years.

Commenting on the project Avesta Sheffield’s Commercial Director in Spain, Bruno Garcia concludes: “A speciality grade and good quality product are essential for the construction of the bridge. Avesta Sheffield is the only company that was able to provide the full package required for the job. Our office in Spain is located near the site so we are on-hand to provide responsive advice and expertise. I shall very much look forward to seeing the bridge completed as it will serve as a spectacular gateway to a magnificent city”.

Press information: Please contact Jo Pritchard or Julie Moon at McCann-Weber Public Relations, Tel: +44 (0)1564 778811 or Fax: +44 (0)1564 771625.