First Ultra-High-Performance Fibre- Reinforced Concrete Footbridge in Spain: Design and Construction

Abstract

[EN] Ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is defined as a cement-based composite material that combines three technical advances in concrete: high compressive strength, presence of steel fibres and flowability.

Since UHPFRC is a very expensive material, in order that UHPFRC can be considered as a competitive alternative in structural applications, it is necessary to optimise the design of structural systems. This process leads to UHPFRC lightweight structures that minimise the concrete needs and give solutions more similar to steel than concrete.

The innovative design of the 43,5 m span footbridge, constructed only with UHPFRC and placed over the Ovejas ravine in Alicante, Spain, is presented in this paper. The new UHPFRC footbridge has replaced the former design devised in steel due to many factors such as lower construction and maintenance costs, high durability in aggressive environment close to the sea leading to an increase in service life and its aesthetic enhancement.

This paper covers several issues about the design and construction of this singular footbridge, such as design justification, structural evaluation, UHPFRC mix design, quality control and construction process at all stages. The static and dynamic load tests performed are also presented.

The footbridge over the Ovejas ravine has become the first structure constructed with UHPFRC in Spain, and as far as we know, it is the first truss pedestrian footbridge made only of UHPFRC in the world.