Innovative design of GFRP sandwich footbridge

The article presents an over view of an innovative solution of a pedestrian bridge made of sandwich co mposite GFRP shell s with PET foam core manufactured with use of infusion technology. The research is currently conducted within the project financed by NCBiR Poland. The gi rder cross section is U shaped. The lightweight structure has 16 m span and 2.5 m us able width for foot and cycle track. The work is focused on optimization of material and structural parameters, acceleration of manufacturing process and simplification in bridge mounting to develop a simple product with competitive prise. The paper also d iscusses the architectural and esthetical aspects of the footbridge for custom made design.