CONCEPT OF PRESTRESSED BEAM APPLIED TO A SCALE ONE FOOTBRIDGE MADE OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Abstract

This paper proposes a concept of a beam prestressed by bending. An
application through an example of footbridge with three supports is
shown and illustrated. The prestress by bending in the beam will
prestress in tension the central support that is a cable. The cable is
then able to act as column which is an advantage as it cannot buckle.
In this example, the method of calculation is given and shows that
composite materials are well suited for this application. Finally the
construction of a scale one model is shown and the authors conclude
on the economical feasibility of such concept.