The evolution of the structure of Glasgowbridge

This paper describes the development of the design of the superstructure for the proposed new footbridge over the river Clyde from the perspective of the structural engineer. Starting with the competition brief the paper describes the evolution of the bridge from the initial sketches to its final form.

The Paper explores the interaction and collaboration between the Architects, Richard Rogers Partnership, and the Engineers, Atkins, describing how the initial concept was derived and will describe how after winning the competition the design of the super-structure continued to evolve using hand sketches, 3D structural computer models, 3D visualisations and physical models. Though some of the avenues explored proved to be dead ends, the paper describes how the final form of the bridge was decided.