Winner 2022

Award for
research informed innovation of novel high-performance materials

Project Description

A network arch bridge with hangers made entirely of carbon fibre (CFPC). The integral design and the use of a high-performance material for the hangers in the case of the light rail bridge allows for a low material input and high transparency. The bridge consists of a central main span and two approach spans. The main span is connected by an 80m network arch and two protruding truss frames, which continue the swing of the slender arches - not only as sloped concrete supports but also as a visual element.

Judge’s comments

A worthy demonstration of new materials and new applications. The resulting design embodies a combination of well-known techniques and new cutting-edge technology to provide a graceful, highly efficient take on the classic cable-hanger arched bridge.

The development of the bonded carbon-fibre composite members was the result of material science research and a very rigorous testing regime, involving over a million stress-test cycles, to demonstrate the suitability of this hybrid material for use in these circumstances.
 

Project overview

Structural Designer

  • schlaich bergermann partner

Client Name

  • SSB Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG

Location

  • Stuttgart, Germany

Architect

  • Schlaich Bergermann Partner

Principal Contractor

  • Adam Hörnig Baugesellschaft mbH & Co. KG / MCE AG

Key Contractors

  • Carbo-Link AG,Fehraltdorf – Carbon Hangers

    Empa (Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research Institute) – Component Testing and Expert Opinion Carbon

    Consortium Nellingen – Structural Checking

    VEES | PARTNER – Geotechnical Engineering

    Moormann Geotechnic Consult – Geotechnical Reviewer

    MPA University Stuttgart – Further Cooperation

Year Submitted

  • 2022

Key attributes

  • Process



    Photography credits: Andreas Schnubel