footbridge design

slender and comfortable bridges

Our pedestrian bridges can generally be described as slender and comfortable. As footbridges are only carrying a relatively low load, it is quite easy to design a slender bridge deck. However, during the design process we always look for the optimum between main span, user comfort and structural height. As a result, not all bridges are of the same slenderness.

comfortable slopes

A well designed pedestrian bridge is easy to walk across for everyone. Slopes shouldn’t bee too steep and steps shouln’t be too high. We’ve written a lot about slope gradients, deck width and all sorts of footbridge specifications in the CROW Dutch design manual for bicycle and pedestrian bridges. An English summary can be downloaded for free.

 adding extra value

Sometimes a footbridge’s location simply offers opportunities too good to dismiss. A lovely natural waterway with green surroundings for instance might beg for a bridge to stand upon and wonder, rather than a bridge to simply cross the waterway. The Waalhaven bridge is an example of how easy it can be to add extra value to a functional bridge. By extending the bridge deck slightly past the stairway, we created a humble viewing platform that offers magnificent views across the port.

parametric design

We often use parametric design software to optimise our bridge designs. A fairly quick and easy way to take a closer look at the various options and design choices, which has already led to spectacular bridges, such as the Tegenbosch network arch bridge. Here’s a video explaining the benefits of parametric design: