Gaissau Bike Bridge

Hermann Kaufmann and Christian Lenz

The architect has creatively combined both wood and steel to produce relatively light yet strong bridge spanning 45m.

The user enters the bridge via a wood portal-like frame and only becomes aware of the actual crossing when two large openings on either side appear. At this point the use of steel, previously enclosed inside the wood cladding becomes apparent. Hidden from sight, steel beams run along both the top and the bottom of the bridge. Bundled steel cables that remain exposed along the sides of the bridge distribute gravity forces between the top and bottom beams.

Location:

Gaissau, Austria

Structural Engineer:

Frank Dickbauer, Frastanz

Reference:

Hermann Kaufmann, Christian Lenz. Architecture and Structure: Springer-Verlag Wien. New York 2002. p20-23