The Öresund Bridge is Protected by Noxudol 700 – Rust-Free and Cost-Effective after 16 Years
The Öresund Bridge is Protected by Noxudol 700 – Rust-Free and Cost-Effective after 16 Years
Read the full report here (swedish)
When the Öresund Bridge was inspected in 2021, a full 16 years after treatment with Noxudol 700, the bolts still looked like new.
No corrosion, no damage – only a slight level difference in the wax. The nuts could be easily loosened, and the protection was still intact.
The long-lasting effect has not only secured the structure – it has also resulted in significant cost savings. Thanks to Noxudol 700, the Öresund Bridge has
This is the story of how Noxudol 700 from Auson helped extend the lifespan of one of the Nordic region’s most exposed steel structures – with results that exceeded all expectations.
The Challenge – Rust after Only Five Years
Five years after the inauguration of the Öresund Bridge, extensive rust was discovered on the railing bolts.
Salt spray from de-icing and chlorides from sea air had penetrated into the cavities where the bolts were located. The design allowed water to collect, causing rapid corrosion.
Without measures, the bolts’ lifespan would be far shorter than the 60 years the bridge was designed for. An effective and long-term protection was needed.
The Solution – Noxudol 700
After several tests of different methods, Noxudol 700 was chosen, a solvent-free cavity wax already used by leading automotive manufacturers.
Advantages of Noxudol 700:
- Exceptional penetration capability into microscopic gaps.
- Flexible and does not shrink over time.
- Protects against moisture and salt spray even during movement and vibration.
- Easy to apply, without heating or special equipment.
- Environmentally adapted, completely solvent-free.
The Work on the Öresund Bridge
During three summer months in 2005, all 24,000 railing bolts were treated. The process was meticulously planned to provide optimal protection:
- Nuts were dismounted to expose bolts and cavities.
- High-pressure washing removed dirt, salt residues, and loose rust.
- Compressed air blowing and gas torch drying ensured all surfaces were completely dry.
- Cavities were filled with Noxudol 700, sealing the entire space.
- Bolts, nuts, and washers were treated, so that threads and contact surfaces were also protected.
The result was a tight, flexible barrier against moisture and salt – while future dismounting remained simple and smooth.
The Result – 16 Years Later
When the bolts were inspected in 2021, it was found:
- No visible corrosion after 16 years in a marine environment.
- The bolts looked like new.
- The Noxudol level had only dropped a few millimeters.
- Nuts could be easily loosened without rust seizure.
The treatment had thus exceeded all requirements and proved to be at least four times more durable than previous sealings with soft compound.
The cost of future maintenance has decreased drastically, while the bridge’s lifespan has been secured for decades ahead.
Additional Applications on the Bridge
1. Stay cables and anchor boxes
During the warranty inspection, rust damage was also discovered on the lower anchor attachments of the stay cables. Previously, molten wax was used, but it shrank during cooling and created cracks where moisture could penetrate.
After tests, the molten wax was replaced with Noxudol 700. By filling the spaces behind the anchor plates and then draining the wax, all surfaces were covered with a protective film.
The result was:
- Tighter and more durable protection,
- Shorter inspection time – no removal of solidified wax,
- Reduced risk of corrosion on critical steel surfaces.
The method is now used for both lower and upper anchor attachments and has made maintenance both faster and more cost-effective.
2. Sealing of concrete cracks
During the work, it was discovered that Noxudol 700 naturally penetrated into cracks in concrete undergrouting – even into microscopic gaps.
This led to the development of a new application: sealing of concrete cracks to prevent chlorides from reaching reinforcement steel.
Unlike epoxy, which is rigid, Noxudol remains flexible and follows the movements of cracks during temperature changes and loading.
The result is a self-sealing, maintenance-free protection suitable for bridges, tunnels, and marine structures.
3. Bridge bearings
Noxudol 700 is now also used as a lifespan extender for the Öresund Bridge’s bridge bearings.
The stainless sliding surfaces are treated twice per year, at temperature extremes (summer/winter), to prevent dirt and particles from penetrating between Teflon and steel.
The treatment has led to:
- Reduced wear and friction,
- Improved movement in the bearings,
- A cleaner and more protected system against moisture and corrosion.
Previously extensive cleaning and rust protection work has thus been reduced to simple, recurring maintenance – a major saving in both time and money.
Conclusion
The Öresund Bridge is today a living example of how Noxudol 700 provides sustainable protection, reduced maintenance, and long-term savings.
From railing bolts to stay cables, concrete, and bridge bearings, the product has demonstrated its strength in practice – year after year.
With over 16 years of documented results in one of Europe’s most exposed environments, it is clear:
Noxudol 700 is not just rust protection – it is an investment in the sustainable infrastructure of the future.