Preliminary Design of Four Optional Long Bridge Solutions for the Western Scheldt Crossing, Netherlands

Two structural systems dominate the choice of a very long span bridge nowadays – the suspension and cable-stayed bridge, both with one or more main spans and in steel or concrete version. Yet, the combination of these possibilities leaves the designer with quite many options. The question which option represents the best choice has been studied in details as part of the Western Scheldt Crossing project in the Netherlands. This paper presents the conclusions of that study and the comparative conceptual designs of four final bridge options. The results can be indicative for prospective studies on long span bridge crossings in other projects.