Abstract
This paper proposes the concept of a prestressed beam supported by a central cable. Due to the elastic energy stored in the beam, this cable is in tension and is able to act as a column. As long as the cable is in tension, it cannot buckle. Calculations show that composite materials are well suited for this concept. An example of a footbridge with three supports built with glass fiber reinforced polymer is shown and explained. Finally the construction of a full scale model is shown.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 99-106 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue number | 164 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cable
- Composite materials
- Curved beam
- Footbridge
- Prestress