Footbridge at a lyceum in Loire-Atlantique

An impressive footbridge was designed by the Forma6 architectural company and under the project management of the Pays de la Loire Region. The project for the new multi-purpose high school in Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu (44) represents a significant step forward in modern architecture and structural engineering. it had been carried out under the supervision of Adrien Polus, project manager in the design office of Massé (85510 Rochetrejoux), illustrates the effective use of IDEA StatiCa software to meet complex technical challenges.

Project description

The project comprises a 40-meter-long outdoor footbridge with two floor levels and a roof, with a total height of 15 meters. One of its sides is covered by sheathing, resulting in a significant wind load. The footbridge connects the school's south and north wings, optimizing circulation within the building.

Engineering Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges of the project was to define an anchoring while taking into account inclined columns with rotation around their longitudinal axis.

The use of IDEA StatiCa was decisive in overcoming these difficulties. The complexity of the assembly did not allow for reliable analysis without a finite element model. Thanks to the buckling analysis proposed by the software, critical parts were supplemented by stiffeners, thus guaranteeing the safety and durability of the structure. In addition, detailed modelling of the joints enabled us to verify the correct dimensioning of the welds.

IDEA StatiCa's appreciated features

IDEA StatiCa has established itself as an essential tool for the verification of this steel assembly, thanks to its intuitive interface and its integration of current standards.

Among the most popular features were

• Precise connection modeling,
• In-depth analysis of stress zones,
• Consideration of construction standards.

It should be noted that certain limitations were detected, such as the verification of compression on concrete and tension in anchor rods, which had to be supplemented by manual calculations.

Conclusion

The new lycée polyvalent project in Pays de la Loire illustrates the importance of an innovative approach to structural engineering. The use of IDEA StatiCa made it possible to overcome complex technical challenges and optimize connection design. This project demonstrates the ability of advanced digital solutions to improve the safety and efficiency of modern infrastructures.