This recently built bicycle and pedestrian bridge combines sustainability with efficiency and an appealing design. The bridge comprises of very slender UHPC deck slabs, steel girders and a bespoke bamboo railing that gives the bridge it’s unique and friendly appearance.
Dutch design office ipv Delft was asked to design a low-budget and low-maintenance bicycle and pedestrian bridge for the Dutch isle of Texel. Not too long ago, the company had developed a system of standard bridges in Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with partners PietersBouwtechniek and Hi-Con Netherlands. Using this seemed the logical option, as UHPC has many benefits. For instance, the bridge deck doesn’t require a wearing course and UHPC has a life-expectancy of over 100 years. Furthermore, this type of concrete requires little to no maintenance, making it a cost effective option.
The 17 meter long bridge has 2,9 m by 1,5 m UHPC deck slabs, which are only 85 mm thick. They have been placed on top of two slightly cambered steel girders, making this bridge as basic as can be as far as structural principle is concerned. It is the bespoke railing that provides the character. Apart from the balusters, the railing is made out of bamboo, a durable and sustainable material. It leans slightly outwards, making a welcoming gesture.
The efficient design meant constructing the bridge only took three days. This is also due to the absence of concrete pile foundations. Instead, the bridge was placed on concrete abutments on spread footings.
