Walking on air, designing and engineering a glass bridge

F.A.Veer, M. Bosma, P.M.J. van Swieten and P.C. Louter, Delft University of Technology & T. Romein, Van Noordenne glas groep

Using the reinforced glass beam concept developed at Delft University of Technology a design study has been made of a 12 meter pedestrian bridge. This bridge is based on the use of a single large beam with glass brackets connected to this beam with a glass walkway laying on these brackets. Several alternative types of connection of bracket to beam have been tested. The best of these has been further developed and worked out to a 1:4 scale model of the bridge. The connection method is described as well as the bridge design. The problems in building the prototype are discussed.

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The Authors

Dr. Frederic Veer Dr. Delft University of Technology Frederic Veer has been involved in glass research since 1995, developing new combinations and structures which use glass as a structural material in innovative ways. Currently the author is head of a ... Read more