Aluminium Footbridges

Since eighty years aluminium has been used in bridge building, for pedestrian or highway structures. Numerous applications in footbridges, especially in the last decades, convince of the advantages in manufacturing, installation and service in comparison to other materials. The aluminium structure is of light weight, practically maintenance-free, recyclable, of stable value, with few optimised standard extruded cross-sections, shop-manufactured and assembled in durable quality and features, with considerable free spans, fulfilling requirements for pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and utility vehicles for every application over road, rail and water in any environment.

EuroCodes augmented by National Application Documents for loading, design, execution and maintenance exist as prerequisites for safety and reliability. Developments in design and manufacturing with implementation of innovative joining methods may further enhance structural characteristics and broaden field of applications.

Comparative design studies performed with different codes and studies in life-cycle-cost analysis (LCCA), have demonstrated the advantages of the aluminium structure in all phases of its life: production, design, construction, operation and disposal. Together with today's experience of several hundred applications quantifiable and reliable estimates are possible.