Structural membrane technology for footbridges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/ic.2007.v59.i507.529Keywords:
footbridge, structure, membrane, formfinding, design, constructionAbstract
The paper presents this technology, that responds to the author’s initial idea of using tension advantages in footbridges. It begins with a brief analysis of the membrane structures and the challenges associated to this new application.
Emphasis is made on a research project associated to the design, construction and testing of a membrane footbridge in Callús (Barcelona). Its global objective was making real the idea, materialising such a footbridge on the ground and thus verifying its functional, structural and constructive aptitude. There were also partial objectives linked to structural analysis (suitable formfi nding method for membrane and edge cables), design, construction process, environmental impact and serviceability behaviour, so leaving to specifi c conclusions.
Of course, such research (due to an agreement between CSIC, FECYT and the Council of Callús) is described with some detail in all its stages:
1, Footbridge design (mainly, the structural membrane).
2, Footbridge construction at Callús.
3. Footbridge testing.
The results were positive and the prototype fulfi lled its mission of making real an idea. Starting from it, the main conclusion was to continue the study of this membrane technology (something not at all obvious before the Callús project).
Finally, after an evaluation of the technology, a brief discussion about continuity and prospective of such a work line is presented. In this way, the perspective of reaching long spans by using this technology (much improved) is pointed out.
Downloads
References
(1) Leonard, J. W. Tension Structures. McGraw-Hill. New York, 1988.
(2) Murcia, J. Tecnología estructural de membranas para aplicaciones de ingeniería civil. I Jornadas Nacionales sobre Innovación y Nuevas Tecnologías en Ingeniería Civil. Madrid, 2002.
(3) Monjo, J. Introducción a la arquitectura textil. Cubiertas colgadas. COAM. Madrid, 1991.
(4) Ishii, K. Membrane Structures in Japan. SPS Publishing Company. Tokyo, 1995.
(5) Ishii, K. Membrane Designs and Structures in the World (english-japanise edition). Shinkenchiku-sha. Tokyo, 1999.
(6) Viglialoro, G. Análisis matemático del equilibrio en estructuras de membrana con bordes rígidos y cables. Pasarelas: forma y pretensado. Tesis doctoral (director: J. Murcia). Programa de Doctorado Ingeniería Civil (E. T. S. Ing. Caminos, Canales y Puertos), UPC. Barcelona, 2006.
(7) CSIC / Murcia, J. Estructura portante para pasarela o puente. Patente. OEPM, 2005.
(8) Linkwitz, K. Formfi nding by the “Direct Approach” and Pertinent Strategies for the Conceptual Design of Prestressed and Hanging Structures. Int.Journal Space Structures, 14, 2 (1999) 73–87. doi:10.1260/0266351991494713
(9) Murcia, J. Prototipo de pasarela con estructura de membrana. IV Congreso Nacional de la Ingeniería Civil. Madrid, 2003.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2007 Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
© CSIC. Manuscripts published in both the print and online versions of this journal are the property of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and quoting this source is a requirement for any partial or full reproduction.
All contents of this electronic edition, except where otherwise noted, are distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. You may read the basic information and the legal text of the licence. The indication of the CC BY 4.0 licence must be expressly stated in this way when necessary.
Self-archiving in repositories, personal webpages or similar, of any version other than the final version of the work produced by the publisher, is not allowed.
