Historic Melan Arch Bridges-experiences and lessons

The Melan method, pioneered by Austrian engineer Josef Melan in the late 19th century, revolutionized concrete arch bridge construction by embedding steel I-beams as both reinforcement and formwork. The historical evolution of the Melan method and the global development of Melan arch bridges are systematically reviewed. Early Melan arch bridges encountered challenges such as excessive deflections, concrete cracking, and reinforcement corrosion, primarily attributed to inadequate understanding of material durability and the use of high water-cement ratios. The method experienced a revival in China in the late 20th century, with over 67 Melan arch bridges constructed. Modern adaptations, such as the application of Concrete-filled Steel Tube (CFST) frameworks in China, demonstrate the system’s continued relevance, improving economic efficiency and structural performance while reducing steel consumption. Key lessons highlight the importance of prioritizing durability, protecting steel-concrete interfaces, and adopting construction techniques to control deformation. Future research should focus on corrosion mitigation, shrinkage control, and long-term maintenance strategies to conserve both historic and modern Melan arch bridges.