Space arch pedestrian bridges

Space arch pedestrian bridges were studied in the terms of the architectural and structural solution, and static and dynamic behaviour. The function of these structures will be verified on a static model built in the scale 1:10. The studied structures are formed by concrete deck that is stiffened by steel pipe and steel cross beams. The arches formed by steel pipes have a shape of the second degree parabola in developed elevations. Both the concrete deck and the steel arches are fixed into the anchor blocks. The external cables that are situated in the handrail pipe balance the dead load torsional moment. The paper describes the studied structures, results of the analysis and the model testing.

Comprehensive studies of several plan curved arch structures have been performed. At first, bridges with curved decks suspended or supported by arches situated in the bridge axis are discussed. Then optimum arrangements of curved arch bridges are presented. The optimum shape of the arch has been obtained by the analysis of the curved suspension structure. The funicular shape of the arch was obtained by inverting the suspension structure. The static non-linear analyses were performed by the program system ANSYS and MIDAS. At first, the initial stage was determined, and then the structures were analysed for different positions of the live load. The detailed analysis has proved that the structure is able to resist all loads given in Eurocode. The function of studied bridges was also verified by dynamic analyses. At first, the natural modes and frequencies were determined, after that the forced vibration was also performed. Finally a model test that is being prepared is described.