Design and construction of the Greenside Place Bridge Link, Edinburgh

The recently completed Greenside Place Bridge Link is a steel structure of innovative helical form designed in response to a challenging architectural brief and difficult site conditions. This paper describes the design development process, including an explanation of the structural concept and how this unusual bridge was analysed from first principles. Interesting geotechnical considerations that arose during the design of the bridge are described. Details of the fabrication and erection process, which demanded high standards of workmanship and dimensional control, are also given. The project provides a useful case study for the design and construction of link bridges between buildings in a typical urban setting.

Simon Fryer, MEng, CEng, MIStructE, MICE
Associate, Buro Happold Ltd.