Strengthening historic pedestrian suspension bridges: Public safety goes first!?

I. Wouters, Y. Schoonjans, M. De Bouw, S. Adriaenssens

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the 1820's an impressive amount of early iron suspension bridges was constructed. Since all of the large span suspension bridges of that period of the European continent have disappeared, the smaller pedestrian ones gain interest. Only four iron suspension bridges built before 1825 remain on the continent (Vernosc-les Annonay, Bazel-Kruibeke, Saint Petersburg and Nuremberg). They are the last materialized witnesses of an experimental phase in iron suspension bridge engineering. Given their antiquity and the modern demands, those bridges must be renovated. Strengthening the bridge to comply the current safety standards is in direct contrast with the wish to preserve the historic fabric. It is within this complex problem that different renovation strategies for the early 19th century pedestrian bridges, ranging from replica to contemporary interference, are analyzed and discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationStructural Analysis of Historic Construction
Subtitle of host publicationPreserving Safety and Significance - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historic Construction, SAHC08
Pages1383-1390
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance, SAHC08 - Bath, United Kingdom
Duration: Jul 2 2008Jul 4 2008

Publication series

NameStructural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historic Construction, SAHC08
Volume2

Other

Other6th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance, SAHC08
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBath
Period7/2/087/4/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Architecture
  • Safety Research

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