Structural Designer
KREBS + KIEFER
Client Name
Stadtwerke Ulm: SWU Verkehr GmbH
Location
Ulm, Germany
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR SEH Engineering
ARCHITECT Knight Architects
KEY CONTRACTORS Geiger & Schüle Bau - Construction Klähne Beratende Ingenieure - Mounting and execution design
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Judge's comment: This is a highly sympathetic new pedestrian, cyclist, and tram bridge. The structure reflects the enormous benefits of interdisciplinary work between engineers and architects. The sinuous silhouette is derived from the natural distribution of bending moments, and optimised for a longitudinal launching process. At the same time, it is an architectural homage to the nearby 110-year-old wrought-iron Neutor Bridge. The judges admired how the graceful, economic, and efficient appearance belies the complexity of the site and irregularity of the support conditions. Notably, the structure of the main crossing was prefabricated in short segments, assembled on an elevated scaffolding at the south abutment and truss adjacent. This three-stage launch procedure was complicated by the curved east section but well managed by the engineers.
Judge's comment: