Lille Langebro: creative engineering of a new harbour bridge in Copenhagen

This lecture described the process of design and construction of the Lille Langebro, which was joint winner of the Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence in 2021. 

 
The bridge forms a sleek, low-level crossing that curves in plan as well as elevation. Each bridge section was prefabricated entirely off-site and delivered in a completed state by sea. 

The superstructure consists of fabricated steel box sections of complex geometry and includes two balanced double cantilever spans on slew bearings which rotate to allow the passage of large ships. The rotating spans are fixed together in the closed position by an arrangement of proprietary mechanical components, which form an innovative structural moment connection at mid-span. The upper mechanisms generate compressive resistance, whilst the lower mechanisms generate a tensile force, providing shear continuity and vertical alignment of the two moving spans when engaged in its socket.

Reasons to watch

• Hear how the concept for the new bridge was developed in acccordance with the site constraints

• Learn about some of the challenges associated with the design and construction of the bridge and how they were overcome

• Gain an understanding of the innovative moment connection that joins the moving bridge sections together when they are closed

Speakers

Simon Fryer, Technical Director, Buro Happold Presenter

Simon has over 30 years of experience in the design and construction of international bridge and civil engineering projects, having joined Buro Happold from Maunsell in 2001. His work has ranged in scale from the structural assessment of overhead line gantries to the design of major cable-stayed bridges such as the Northern Spire in Sunderland.

Ian Firth, Consultant, COWI Chair

Ian is a world-leading expert in bridge design and construction. During his career he has been involved with world-famous bridge projects like the strengthening of the Severn Bridge, Erskine Bridge and West Gate Bridge, and the concept design of Stonecutters’ Bridge in Hong Kong, as well as many smaller pedestrian bridges such as the new Inner Harbour Bridge in Copenhagen and the Taplow Bridge near Maidenhead.

Lecture's recording