Pedestrian Bridge - Wenduine, Belgium

The pedestrian bridge is located on the Belgian coast, connecting the village with the beach and crossing both the coastal road and a double tram line. The primary structure consists of two irregular timber warren trusses supported by reinforced concrete portal frames. The trusses are ‘meccano’-like, assembled in different layers which create visual interest architecturally. These layers also create great eccentricities which form important secondary moments in transversal direction. The top and bottom chords are built-up beams, held together by packers which provide sufficient lateral stability. On each concrete portal there is a steel frame in between the wooden members which provides overall lateral stability.

The structure, however, is not entirely three-dimensional. The difficult geometry and eccentricities of the structure require visual and analytical high performance software. This software makes it possible to analyze and interpret the secondary effects, and allows for a link between 2-dimensional models and hand calculations.

Maintaining the design of the nodes of the truss, while implementing the packers at the top and bottom chords proved to be a challenging job which involved integrating the practical experience of the contractor with engineering optimization, all the while maintaining the overall design and architectural detailing. As a result, the bridge is both highly particular, and structurally unique.

• Owner: Maritieme Dienstverlening en Kust - Afdeling kust
• Architect: West8
• General Contractor: Westconstruct
• Engineering Office: BAS bvba
• Construction Period: 02/2013 - 05/2014

WINNER USER CONTEST 2015 - CATEGORY 2: Civil Structures

The architectural design of this pedestrian bridge is excellently supported by the structural solutions. The irregular shape of the structure and the combination of different materials - wood, concrete and steel - provide an eye-catching and unique artwork.

Quote of the Jury