Footbridge in the Czech Republic by Ehl & Koumar

The new pedestrian bridge in Litomyšl designed by Ehl & Koumar Architects, which replaces the original footbridge built in 1981, provides a barrier-free pedestrian connection to the city centre and makes crossing the busy road more attractive.

Structure

The steel structure is supported by massive reinforced concrete columns. The elevated pylon of the lift is located on the axis of the original staircase and supports the actual footbridge structure. At the same time it creates a new landmark. The central pylon merges into a new concrete staircase. To the west, the footbridge is embedded in the existing retaining wall.

© Tomas Soucek

The static system of the welded steel structure is a continuous beam consisting of two bays with projecting ends. The load-bearing system consists of two Vierendeel main girders connected by cross girders. By repeating the square cross-section in the longitudinal direction, a spatial 3D Vierendeel girder is created, which has an orthotropic metal bridge deck and roof on the top and bottom. The 3.07 x 3.07 x 3.07 m spatial module is consistently repeated in the reinforced concrete structures.

© Tomas Soucek

A railing made of stainless steel mesh and a round stainless steel handrail set design accents. Graphics by Ivana Šrámková at the lift entrances and the rear wall of the pylon enliven the character of the bridge.