Concept Design of a Dandelion Shape Footbridge with Pre-tension Cable Method

In order to fully utilize the performance of steel and concrete, taking full advantages of the merits and overcome their defects, the spatial prestressed cable structure always can be adopted for a new structure with a clear mechanical concept. Considering the special aesthetic shape requirement for a footbridge, this paper introduces a conceptual design of a dandelion shapes footbridge, which can take full advantages of steel and concrete merits, even the weakness-heavy weight of concrete will be utilized to help the structure keep its load's balance with the pedestrian load. Two dandelion petals units (up and down erected in the water) are designed as two type modules to support the crowd load. Dandelion is a yellow or purple flower symbolizing dynamism and vigor; its petals (with seeds in them) will be spreading in the wind. It has the moral "moving love won't stop." When these petals fall into the water, they will stick together with their fluffs above the water surface. The footbridge is inspired from this scene. Comparing with different structure form and shape, the authors designed and analyzed two petal shape units (seed) as a modular structure, which can be precasted in factory, site assembled and fast constructed. The feasibility of this structure form with the mechanical requirement and economical efficiency will be discussed.