The KuBAaI Footbridges In Bocholt / Germany – The Client's Wish to Use Low Maintenance Materials

The small city of Bocholt owns a former industrial area of 25 ha which will be restructured to an urban and cultural district for people to work, live and explore. As part of the new urban development four footbridges with a span of up to 47 m have been designed to connect the two parts of this area which are separated by the river Aa. The bridges form the starting point for the future development and spaces for public events.

The connecting bridges are not only an architectural statement, but also show the transition from the former industrial origin to the new cultural urban district. The design of the bridges was chosen because it combines the future and the past. Three of the four bridges are newly designed whereas one former railroad bridge will be refurbished for the use as a pedestrian bridge.

This paper will focus on the client's requirements to build architectural icons which will drive the development of the new quarter but to also design structures with low maintenance effort and long durability. Especially smaller cities often lack a dedicated bridge department; they require therefore good guidance by the engineer and would typically prefer low-maintenance materials. This has been achieved by utilizing weathering steel as well as GFRP decks. Even though the initial costs as well as the public approval process for this innovative construction are higher compared to conventional materials, it will be cost-beneficial for the client through reduced maintenance costs in the long run.

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