civiL structuraL anaLysis, design and documentation
This category features projects that illustrate creative and effective uses
of information-based approaches in the structural engineering process.
Of particular interest are projects in which analysis, design, and
documentation of the structural system were integrated.
Marina Bayfront Pedestrian Bridge arup WINNER
The Marina Bayfront Pedestrian Bridge in
Singapore is the first of its type in the world. At 280
meters long, the bridge features a unique double-helix exoskeleton constructed from stainless steel,
which gives structural support to a 6-meter-wide
deck spanning 65 meters between piers. By
balancing the unraveling forces of the opposing
helices, the bridge is being constructed out of
significantly less steel.
The bridge curves in plan view while in elevation
rising to a high point in the center to allow ships to
pass underneath. Designers had to provide sufficient clearance for the shipping lane below, but
also keep the slope gentle enough for pedestrian
traffic. Other design considerations included the
need for a link to a nearby vehicular bridge and
a passage for pedestrians under the bridge at
each abutment.
Using a 3D model enabled designers to understand the complex geometry and create drawings
suitable for cost estimating and construction. Arup
was able to minimize construction costs by approximating the double-curved helix geometry with a
series of single-curved planar segments. Initially,
the helix tubes all had slightly different bend radii.
Using macros and spreadsheets, designers developed a new curve geometry that used only one
bend radius for each of the t wo spirals that formed
the double helix. This, in turn, cut the time needed to
bend the steel and reduced the amount of waste.
The central workflow featured a streamlined flow
of information between various packages used
in the design process. Bentley’s GenerativeComponents allowed the Arup team to begin
modeling the complex detail geometry even
before the final geometry was finalized. Import/
export facilities of the software allowed Arup to
analyze the geometry in a number of ways and
provide accurate information to internal and
external parties in an easy-to-understand format.
Other soft ware deployed included MicroStation,
InRoads, and Bentley Structural.
