Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge in Neckartenzlingen, Germany

Both foreland areas are bent in the ground plan and have a radius of approximately 65.25 m (204.2 ft). In this way, the course of access roads is considered in the ground plan.

Superstructure

The bridge superstructure consists of two stepped, twisted glulam beams coupled together and drilled into blocks. The superstructure, with three bays of individual spans of about 25.90 m (85 ft) / 44.50 m (146 ft) / 25.90 m (85 ft) and a total length of 96.30 m (316 ft), spans the Neckar River.

For efficient material utilization, the cross‑section height is graduated from 80 cm (31.5 in) up to 208 cm (82 in) according to the loading. Due to the existing continuous system, zero moment distributions result in the main bay. These were modeled as articulated joints. This results in reasonable transport sizes and a simplified assembly for the structural timber elements.

Wood Protection

The main supporting structure is optimally protected from the weather by its geometry (lateral stepping) and the covering on the upper side with a surfacing of precast concrete slabs (with lateral overhang, drainage channels below the structural joints, and an additional sealing layer on the timber beams). To verify these assumptions regarding wood protection, a moisture monitoring system was installed in the area of the highest cross-section.

Substructure

The substructure consists of reinforced concrete abutments with a bored pile foundation and intermediate supports made of reinforced concrete columns with shallow foundations. In the extension of the bridge structure, the path runs on a ramp with a trough-like supporting structure made of reinforced concrete.