The dispute over the technical correctness and durability of the Pelješac bridge has gained momentum following the comments made by Split-based construction expert Predrag Bilbija. Bilbija expressed his views on the state of the bridge, directly criticising the project’s designers. This dispute unfolded in the public sphere, drawing media attention and sparking debate over the professional standards applied in the construction of this key transport link.
Marjan Pipenbaher, a Slovenian architect and one of the key designers, responded to the criticisms by stating that his comments in the media had been simplified and did not reflect the full technical complexity of the project. He firmly rejected the allegations that he was minimising the damage or misleading the public. Although media reports noted certain irregularities, Pipenbaher stressed that the technical specifications had been strictly adhered to during the construction works, creating a divergence in perception between the professional community and the general public.
The core of the dispute concerns the quality of the concrete elements, specifically the protective layers. The design specifies a layer thickness of 65 mm for the concrete on the pylons, while the thickness for the columns beneath the deck is 75 mm. These elements are additionally reinforced with 14 mm diameter steel, and the main transverse reinforcement has a diameter of 20 mm, with 85 mm of concrete cover above it. Despite this, cracks have appeared, resulting from the plastic shrinkage of the concrete, accelerated by drying under the influence of wind, solar radiation, and temperature gradients. Although the contractors were warned multiple times about the need for careful protection and curing of the young concrete, the damage still occurred.
The stability of the bridge, initially in question, is now assessed as stable, although the durability of the structure is in doubt. This situation has long-term implications for the stability of the structure, requiring careful monitoring and potential corrective measures. Although the bridge was not in immediate danger in terms of immediate stability, the durability of the structure remains in question, which could affect the long-term sustainability and safety of the transport link. This case highlights the importance of precise design and strict quality control in construction, particularly for strategically important infrastructure projects such as the one on the Pelješac, which is crucial for the connectivity of the Croatian mainland and the islands.
