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Overview
We developed this concept for Hamilton City Council in partnership with Bridge It NZ.
The shared-use bridge would have been part of the cycleway network, crossing the Kirikiriroa Stream near the Pukete Bridge and connecting with the Wairere Drive Cycleway.
The concept features arched steel trusses, a stylistic nod to the Waikato River’s distinctive Fairfield Bridge.
The 34-metre span Vierndeel arch type also ticks some technical boxes:
- Lightwieght
- Economic
- Can be fabricated offsite
- Lift into place from existing road
- Low impact on river hydrology
- Can span 34 m without river piers
- Attractive architectural design, to encourage walking and cycling
Technical information
The 34 m span carries a 3 m-wide pedestrian and cyclist friendly walkway.
Top chords and side vertical members of the Vierendeel arched truss are fabricated from circular hollow sections (CHS) and the bottom chords are fabricated for square hollow sections (SHS). The top chord forms a parabolic curve.
Joists are glulaminated timber, carrying lightweight fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) decking.
The non-slip surface has a slight central crown so water runs off the sides of the bridge.
Balustrades are a non-climbable stainless steel mesh, supported by steel posts and rails. The hollow, circular cycle-rail has downward-facing lighting fixtures to light the path at night.
