Designing Footbridges for the Realities of Life in South Africa. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, John R. B.
• Is Part Of: Structural engineering international. Volume 28:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: footbridge -- aesthetics -- durability -- stress ribbon -- suspension bridge -- economy -- maintenance -- prestressed concrete; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; 624.1
• DOI: 10.1080/10168664.2018.1508325
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1016-8664

Abstract

Abstract: This paper tells the story of the design development of three concrete footbridges across varying landscapes within South Africa. Their designs relate to their surroundings and also to the fact that they must survive the harsh realities of theft, vandalism and life with limited preventive and routine maintenance. They are aimed to be a tax payers dream and a friend to the communities they serve. A common thread through each bridge is the use of bespoke in situ concrete forms rather than standard precast concrete sections. In each case, the bridges were staged and formed with shutters. This proved to be economical. Innovative structural systems such as an arch supported self-anchored multi-span stress ribbon bridge were conceived and developed. A self-anchored suspension bridge utilising concrete towers and standard prestressing strands for the main cables allowed a 58 m wide road to be crossed.