This master thesis explores the use of aluminium in bridge construction, specifically for cyclists and pedestrians, aiming to expand aluminium application in Belgium and promote sustainable construction. Currently, aluminium is rarely used structurally in Belgium, with steel and concrete being preferred. When aluminium is used, it is often inefficient due to applying steel design methodologies. This thesis optimizes aluminium design by leveraging its advantages and considering its specific characteristics.
The thesis has two phases. The first phase examines the feasibility of an aluminium bridge deck extension on the existing bridge over the Sint-Katelijne-Waver station. The second phase focuses on designing a standalone aluminium bicycle and pedestrian bridge that spans a railway area, with design constraints ensuring versatility across multiple locations.
An extensive literature review covers aluminium alloys, production processes, and bridge construction principles. The feasibility study on the bridge deck extension concludes that it is possible but not recommended due to unfavourable conditions. Consequently, the focus shifts to designing a lightweight truss bridge with a 38.5-meter span and 6.3-meter width. The innovative design features optimized cross-sections and aesthetically pleasing nodes through extrusion. The thesis concludes with a dynamic analysis, implementation phasing, and final recommendations.
Winner of the SCIA Student Contest 2024.
The project emphasizes aluminium as a lightweight and durable material. A bicycle bridge with a span of 38.5 meters was calculated with a nonlinear analysis including second-order effects and imperfections and modal analysis. The Engineering Report was used to create the project documentation.
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