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Nemetschek Structural User Contest 2013 - Category 2: Civil Structures
Category 2: Civil Structures
2
Short description │
Footbridges of the “Smedenpoort”
With total lengths of 62.5 m and 57.2 m, respectively, the footbridges at the Smedenpoort in Bruges
provide a safe passage for pedestrians embracing the listed gateway. Weathering steel is used for the
main structure; concrete tiles form a bridge deck that is 2 m wide. To minimise the dimensions of the
structural elements and maximise the transparency of the structure, the railing and bridge deck become
structural and the spans are reduced. The position and dimension of the railing bars is determined by
a pattern. Each 5 m section of the bridge is supported by a small column. The footbridges embrace the
gateway with their curved trajectory and, at night, with light-emitting diodes integrated into the handrail
of the outer railing.
Ney & Partners
Contact
Bart Bols
Address
Terhulpsesteenweg 181
1170 Brussels, Belgium
Phone
+32 2 6432180
Email
Website
Ney & Partners is a structural engineering consultancy, established in Brussels. Since its creation in
1997, the office has worked with a pro-active view on the art of engineering through the integration of
the different civil works disciplines.
This integration and optimisation of structural elements aims to overcome the classic hierarchic
assembly of constructive solutions. Innovative bridges, roof structures and works of art developed by
our office most clearly express this vision.
The construction project quality lies in the synthesis of specific design constraints. The structural
aspect is of primary importance to this synthesis. From the very beginning of the design process, Ney
& Partners conducts constant research for advanced engineering integration. In doing so, our position
as an engineering consultancy goes beyond the standardised dimensioning of predefined technical
solutions. Ney & Partners currently employs more than 45 civil engineers, architects and draughtsmen.
Project information
Owner
City of Bruges
Architect
Ney & Partners
General Contractor
Depret nv
Engineering Office
Ney & Partners
Location
Brugge, Belgium
Construction Period
06/2011 to 07/2012
