The theme of this doctoral thesis is research of footbridges curved in plan that are formed by stress ribbon. Recently, several noteworthy curved pedestrian bridges, which decks are suspended on their inner edges on suspension or stay cables, have been constructed. However, curved stress ribbon bridges have not been built so far. The goal of this study was to answer the question whether the use of curved stress ribbon structures is even possible. For this reason, in the first stage feasibility study of these structures has been prepared. Knowledge of both curved pedestrian bridges, which decks are suspended on their inner edge and straight stress ribbon has been used. For the mathematical modeling FEM software ANSYS was used.
The obtained findings were further used to design a new type of a modern, aesthetic curved bridge for pedestrians. The structure is formed by slender reinforced deck, which is through the steel brackets on the inner side stiffened by steel section. Torsion of the deck, caused by curved structure and asymmetrical cross-section, is reduced by cable situated in the handrail. Footbridge span is 45 m, arc camber in plan is 10 m, free bridge width is 3 m. Described is a general structure effect, detail static and dynamic analysis was carried out.
Designed structure including construction stages were experimentally verified on a fully physical functional 1:6 scale model. The thesis describes the model analogy used for the design of the model, its structural design and its implementation. The model was subjected to a series of load tests including the final ultimate strength test. Performed tests confirmed the good match of calculation with the reality, correctness of the design and high resistance of designed construction. Acquired results and experiences from design and realization of model form the basis for practical realization of studied structures.