Prestressed Footbridge Over the Jizera in Semily – From Variant Study to Final Design

The bachelor's thesis deals with the design of an integrated prestressed footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the Jizera River in Semily, including a variant study of five structural concepts and a detailed structural analysis in RFEM 6.

Author	Martin Forman
University	ČVUT \| Faculty of Structural, Czech Republic

Variant study and structural system selection

Based on a comparison of five different structural concepts, an integrated parapet structure made of post-tensioned concrete was selected as the most suitable. The absence of bearings and expansion joints minimizes maintenance requirements. The comparative study showed that conventional reinforced concrete is deformationally inadequate for the given geometry and technologically unfeasible due to the extreme density of reinforcement – post-tensioning thus proved to be a structural necessity.

3D model of a prestressed pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Jizera River in RFEM 6 software

Prestressed Pedestrian Bridge Over the Jizera River in Semily

Structural analysis and optimization

The main part of the thesis consists of a detailed structural analysis of the selected variant and the design of the prestressing system in the RFEM 6 program using the Tendons module, modal analysis, and nonlinear material behavior. The substructure was optimized by replacing the originally considered piles with micropiles with regard to the rocky subsoil. The result is a comprehensively assessed, reliable, and fully integrated footbridge structure.

Student thesis entered in the Dlubal Talent ČVUT 2026 competition

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