BASF's signature on Osmangazi Bridge

The Osmangazi Bridge, constructed as part of the Gebze-İzmir Highway Project, was opened by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. With a main span of 1550 metres, making it the world's fourth longest bridge by centre span, the construction utilized innovative solutions drawing on BASF Construction Chemicals Division's global expertise and experience. The Osmangazi Bridge project, with a total length of 2682 metres, was supplied with grout, structural repair mortars, adhesives and injection mortars.

Dynamic loads and aggressive environmental effects on the bridge

Built in an active seismic zone, the Osmangazi Bridge has its main piers crossing Turkey's most active fault line, while the piers rising above water are exposed to chloride attack causing corrosion. Through solutions specially developed by BASF Construction Chemicals Division for the Osmangazi Bridge, the concrete structure of the bridge is protected with BASF MasterProtect series corrosion inhibitors, while the steel bridge piers subjected to extremely heavy loads are anchored with MasterFlow grouts. For the anchoring of the bridge piers, reinforced concrete caisson structures were built on land and transported to the wet dock by being floated with the aid of barges. MasterFlow grouts were also used in the fabrication of the main steel columns. Following work carried out in cooperation with BASF to produce special solutions for the Osmangazi Bridge, special tests were performed, and not only was the most suitable grout identified but the most appropriate method for grout application was also determined. The Osmangazi Bridge, which will reduce travel time between the two megacities Istanbul and İzmir from six and a half hours to three and a half hours and links the northern and southern shores of the Gulf of İzmit, was constructed using BASF products. In addition to BASF's MasterFlow grout products, MasterEmaco S series structural repair mortars, high-strength and fast-setting MasterEmaco T series repair mortars, MasterBrace ADH adhesives, MasterInject injection mortars and MasterProtect series corrosion inhibitors provide unique solutions for the Osmangazi Bridge, ensuring durability and long service life.