Shell Bridge

This project formed was part of the Technoledge Structural Design course. We were to design a bridge that crosses the Zuidkolk in Delft. This had to be in the form of a catenary shell structure. In addition to the design, hand and FEA calculations had to be done to ensure the structure performed well as a shell.

Our approach sought to connect 3 points across the Zuidkolk based on perceived heaviest traffic flow. The structure was designed using physical models and parametrically using form-finding to generate the shell geometry. The shape is then analysed and optimised for structural performance.

Concept

Workflow

Principle Stress Lines

Principle Stresses

Deflection

View from Street

Sections

Section Detail