Brandangersundet Bridge – A slender and light network arch

The design of a slender and light network arch bridge for Brandangersundet on the west coast of Norway is presented. An extremely slender arch structure spanning 220 m with only 7.2 m between the arches, each consisting of a Ø711 mm steel tube, has been designed, constructed and installed at this location. The article presents benefits of the network arch concept, some procedures, solutions and results for buckling design of such a slender structure, and the final design of the Brandangersundet Bridge. Also challenges in the construction of such a bridge are addressed. As a conclusion, the network arch concept makes slender and transparent bridge structures possible without compromising the safety.