A Novel Concept for a Cable-Stayed Movable Footbridge

Movable footbridges can be interesting and feasible solutions to cross waterways when the traffic on the waterways to be crossed is not heavy. They can lower the height in elevation in use, which considerably reduce the effort of the passengers, and also can be spectacular landmarks. In this paper, a novel concept for a cable-­stayed movable footbridge is proposed. The concept of geometric design is firstly introduced. The moving mechanism is then shown by means of tracing the opening process. As an essential part of the footbridge concept, the flexible deck which makes use of torsional deformation is introduced. Both static and dynamic analysis of the flexible deck are conducted. The insufficiency in dynamic performance is then discussed. Pre-­twisted deck is considered as a possible solution by rising natural frequencies, and with which the performance is shown to be improved according to the result of numerical analysis. Investigation of this innovative concept of movable footbridge highlights new design possibilities for unique lightweight structures with curved configurations.

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