Composite bridge

Design, production and material

3XN’s philosophy that form, production and materials should always be applied in harmony with each other shows in the design of a pedestrian bridge across Copenhagen Harbour.

It is proposed that the bridge be constructed from fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. It is designed to make use of the plasticity of the material and its constructive properties. The compound nature of composites allows the design to distribute specific strengths on specific stressed areas by combining glass, Kevlar and carbon fibres with epoxy and polyester.

Due to high humidity levels and a high salt content in the air, the harbour is a very aggressive environment for materials like steel, aluminium and wood. FRP composites are, however, very resistant to these influences and are therefore often used in marine contexts.

Transport and production

Access to the open sea makes it possible to use alternative methods of transporting and producing the bridge components. The bridge can be manufactured in a shipyard by using production methods from the ship-building industry, and it will be erected from the seaward side.