Submission #6 CLOSE
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (London, UK) and Halcrow Yolles (Calgary)
The structural concept for the new St. PatrickÃs Bridge is based on the principles of a two span continuous beam. The primary structural element for the bridge is a central spine truss which spans from the south bank to a central support on the island and across the shorter span to the north shore. The shape of the truss has been informed directly by the varying magnitude of the bending stress the bridge experiences over its length: the truss is deepest at the points of maximum effort and tapers in locations of lower stress.
This harmonising of the architectural form with the structural function of the bridge optimises the quantity of structural material: maximising the economic measures of the bridge while minimising its ecological footprint.
