BEBO® Precast Concrete Arches
Proven modular arch systems engineered for structural efficiency, durability and validated performance.
Humes has manufactured BEBO® precast concrete arches in Australia since 1984 under exclusive agreement with BEBO Arch International AG. From the first installation — which was fully instrumented to validate design theory — BEBO® arches have evolved into a refined portfolio of one- and two-piece arch systems engineered for transport, hydraulic and structural infrastructure applications.
With decades of development, university validation and advanced analytical modelling, BEBO® arches deliver confidence in both performance and compliance.
Designed for Proven Performance
Technical validation has underpinned the BEBO® system in Australia from the beginning.
For both the first BEBO® arch and the first Classic arch installed locally, Humes engaged the University of Adelaide and the University of Sydney to fully instrument the structures. This work validated the original design methodology and confirmed its suitability for Australian soil conditions, loading regimes and regulatory requirements.
BEBO® arches provide flexible solutions to suit span requirements, clearance envelopes, transport constraints and installation methodologies.
The original BEBO concept was developed from small flat slab elements joined together to form an arch profile, similar to a blodck-and-keystone arrangement. This innovation led to the development of the one-piece BEBO® arch and, through continued collaboration with the BEBO group, to a broader portfolio incorporating both one- and two-piece configurations.
Ongoing refinement of the system uses both the original BEBO “finite displacement model” and advanced finite element analysis (FEA). Finite element modelling enables detailed assessment of soil–structure interaction and allows arch behaviour to be analysed under site-specific ground and loading conditions. This ensures continuous improvement in structural optimisation while maintaining compliance with Australasian Standards and user specifications.
Applications
BEBO® precast concrete arches are suited to a wide range of infrastructure applications, including:
- Road and rail underpasses
- Hydraulic crossings and culverts
- Service and utility corridors
- Pedestrian and shared-use paths
- Fauna crossings and environmentally sensitive sites
The arch form distributes loads efficiently through interaction with the surrounding backfill, creating a structurally efficient system that eliminates the need for bearings and expansion joints typically associated with conventional bridge structures.
Product Range
Humes manufactures BEBO® arches in both one-piece and two-piece configurations, allowing flexibility to suit span, clearance envelope, transport constraints and installation methodology.
The modular precast format supports:
- Rapid installation
- Reduced on-site formwork and scaffolding
- Improved construction safety
- Consistent factory-controlled quality
Units can be tailored to meet project-specific structural, hydraulic and durability requirements.
BEBO® arches deliver confidence in both performance and compliance.
Structural Performance & Durability
BEBO® arches are engineered for long-term service life in demanding infrastructure environments. Continuous development of design methodology ensures:
- Verified soil–structure interaction performance
- Refined structural efficiency through analytical modelling
- Compliance with relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards
- Suitability for varied ground conditions
The combination of validated engineering theory, field performance and modern analytical tools provides asset owners and designers with a high level of confidence in structural integrity and long-term reliability.
