Investigation of an Arched Footbridge Funicular against any Loads

This paper proposes a solution for an arched footbridge to be funicular of different load cases. In the case of a footbridge the live load can be significant compare to the self weight. Therefore a specific device has to be applied to eliminate the bending moments of the supporting arch. The block and tackle suspension system uses continuous suspension cable(s) that connects the deck with the arch. Two footbridge models are introduced in the paper. After the introduction of the geometry of the bridges a comparative structural analysis between the proposed system and a classical set up of the stays is presented. The results show that in the case of non symmetric load the block and tackle suspension system results in much lower bending moments in the arch, on the other hand it results in much larger displacements of the deck. The effect of the friction between the pulley and its shaft on the behaviour of the structure is also analysed.