Medium Span Footbridge System Using UHPC

Abstract:

The topic of medium-span bridges combined with longitudinal segmentation of the structure using precast components made of UHPC material was a challenge for the grant research team. The researchers' goal was to optimize the shape of the parapet beam from both a structural and architectural perspective. It was necessary to find the most suitable solution for connecting the beams to the bridge deck and to design the technology for manufacturing the individual structural elements and connecting them into a single functional unit. All this had to be done with an emphasis on maintaining the required parameters for safe and secure operation of the structure.The article presents a new Medium Span Footbridge System (MSFS) with a span of up to 30 meters. The system consists of a combination of parapet beams with longitudinal prestressing, ribbed bridge deck slabs, and grout joints. The article mentions the static analysis of the structure. The method of manufacturing individual parts is documented, together with the specific procedure for constructing the footbridge, which is designed to minimize work on the construction site while minimizing traffic restrictions under the footbridge under construction. The article also presents a functional sample of the structure – the first medium-span footbridge (MSF) made of UHPC with a span of 26.0 m and a clear width of 3.0 m.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 176)
• Pages: 17-27
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-wV7e5F
• Online since: May 2026
• Authors: Jan Prchal*, Milan Holý, Jiří Prchlík, David Čítek, Jan Marek
• Keywords: Footbridge, Medium Span, Parapet Beam, UHPC

References

[1] M. Holý, J. Prchlík, J. Marek, J. Prchal, M. Kryštov, J. Kolísko, "Development of Short Span and Medium Span Footbridge Systems using UHPFRC in Czech Republic", In: International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 3. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University, 2023.

DOI: 10.21838/uhpc.16654

[2] N. Bertola, P. Schiltz, E. Denarié, and E. Brühwiler, "A review of the use of UHPFRC in bridge rehabilitation and new construction in Switzerland," Frontiers in Built Environment, Nov. 2021.

DOI: 10.3389/fbuil.2021.769686

[3] D. Géhin, E. Brühwiler, N. J. Bertola, and L. Widmer, "Design and construction of the Chaumény footbridge in posttensioned UHPFRC," in IABSE Symposium Prague 2022 – Challenges for Existing and Oncoming Structures, May 2022, p.285–292.

DOI: 10.2749/prague.2022.0285

[4] J. Resplendino and F. Toutlemonde, "The UHPFRC revolution in structural design and construction," in RILEM-fib-AFGC Int. Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC 2013), Oct. 1–3, 2013, Marseille, France.

DOI: 10.35789/fib.bull.0079.ch06

[5] TP 267, Technické podmínky, Ultra vysokohodnotný beton (UHPC), Ministry of Transport, Prague, Czech Republic, 2024, 62 pages.

[6] R. Coufal, M. Kalný, J. Kolísko, and J. L. Vítek, "TP ČBS 07: Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC)," 1st ed., Czech Concrete Society ČSSI, May 2022.

[7] ČSN 73 6110 Projektování místních komunikací [Design of urban roads]. ČNI, Praha, (2006).

[8] M. Holý, J. Prchlík, J. Marek, J. Prchal, D. Čítek, and J. Kolísko, "Prestressed UHPFRC through girder footbridge using longitudinal prefabrication," in Proceedings of HiPerMat 2024, Kassel, Germany: Kassel University Press GmbH, 2024, p.75–78. ISBN: 978-3-7376-1159-6.

DOI: 10.21838/uhpc.16654

[9] J. Kolísko, P. Tej, D. Čítek, M. Holý, J. Prchlík, J. Marek, J. Prchal, and L. Smrt, Spoj pro prefabrikované UHPC nosníky a lávka s takovými spoji [A joint for prefabricated UHPC beams and a walkway with such joints], Utility Model CZ 37953 U1, filed Jun. 3, 2024. Assignees: KŠ PREFA s.r.o. and Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT), Czech Republic.

DOI: 10.21838/uhpc.16654

[10] J. Prchlík, M. Holý, J. Marek, J. Prchal, P. Tej, and J. Kolísko, "The U-shaped footbridges made of UHPC," in The 13th Central European Congress on Concrete Engineering, Zakopane, 2022.

[11] ČSN EN 16165 Stanovení protiskluznosti povrchů pro pěší – Metody hodnocení [Determination of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces – Methods of evaluation]. Praha, (2022).