STRESS RIBBON BRIDGE

ABSTRACT
A stress ribbon bridge is a tension structure, similar in many ways to a simple
suspension bridge. The stress ribbon design is rare. Few people including bridge
engineers are familiar with this form and fewer than 50 have been built worldwide. The
suspension cables are embedded in the deck which follows a catenary arc between
supports. Unlike the simple span the ribbon is stressed in compression which adds to
the stiffness of the structure. Such bridges are typically made from concrete reinforced
by steel tensioning cables. They are used mainly for pedestrian and cycling traffic.
Stress ribbon bridges are very economical, aesthetic and almost maintenance free
structure. They require minimal quantity of materials. At present studies, on combining
stress ribbon bridges with cables or arches, to build most economical stress ribbon
bridges. It makes the study of features of these particular bridges as an important one.
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
FINSTERWALDERS STRESS RIBBON BRIDGE THEORY
FORM OF A STRESS RIBBON BRIDGE
COMPARISON WITH A SIMPLE SUSPENSION BRIDGE
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
MODEL TESTS
ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS
MODIFIED STRESS RIBBON BRIDGES
A CASE STUDY
STRESS RIBBON BRIDGES AROUND THE GLOBE
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

FIGURE LIST
i.
ii.
iii.

Fig 2.1 Ulrich Finsterwalder

Fig 4.1 Bodie Creek Suspension Bridge , Falkland Islands
Fig 4.2 Maldonado Stress Ribbon Bridge, Uruguay

iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.

Fig 5.1 Construction Technique

Fig 6.1 Structural System
Fig 6.2 Structural System
Fig 7.1.1 Static model cross section
Fig 7.1.2 Static model
Fig 7.1.3 Static model ultimate load
Fig 7.1.4 Wind tunnel test
Fig 7.2.1 Prague-Troja Bridge - load test

TABLE LIST
i.

Table 11.1 Stress Ribbon Bridges

INTRODUCTION
A stressed ribbon bridge (also stress-ribbon Bridge) is a tension structure (similar in
many ways to a simple suspension bridge). The suspension cables are embedded in
the deck which follows a catenary arc between supports. Unlike the simple span the
ribbon is stressed in compression, which adds to the stiffness of the structure (simple
suspension spans tend to sway and bounce). The supports in turn support upward
thrusting arcs that allow the grade to be changed between spans (where multiple spans
are used). Such bridges are typically made from concrete reinforced by steel tensioning
cables. Where such bridges carry vehicle traffic a certain degree of stiffness is required
to prevent excessive flexure of the structure, obtained by stressing the concrete in
compression.
Stress Ribbon Bridges Philosophers, thinkers, intellectuals all appeal, please build
bridges and not walls between different communities, nationalities, countries, languages
etc, to achieve universal brotherhood. This can be achieved by constructing stress
ribbon bridges.
Stress ribbon bridges are very economical, aesthetic and almost maintenance free
structure. They require minimal quantity of materials. They are erected independently
from the existing terrain and therefore they have minimum impact upon the environment
during construction.
Stress ribbon bridge is the term used to describe structures formed by a very slender
concrete deck in the shape of a catenary. They can be designed with one or more spans
and are characterized by successive and complementary smooth curves. These curves
blend in to natural environment and their forms, the most simple and basic of structural

solutions. The stress ribbon bridge can be erected without undue pressure on the
environment.
Stress ribbon bridges looks at how slender concrete deck are used in the design of
suspension and cable stayed structures. It looks at their characteristic feature; their
rigidity, which is mainly given by the tension stiffness of prestressed concrete decking so
much so that movement caused by pedestrians or wind does not register as discomfort
by users. As opposed to suspension bridges, where the cables carry the load, in stress
ribbon, by tensioning the cables and the deck between the abutments, the deck shares
the axial tension forces. Anchorage forces are unusually large since the structure is
tightly tensioned.
2.

FINSTERWALDERS STRESS RIBBON BRIDGE THEORY

Stress Ribbon Bridge uses the theory of a catenary transmitting loads via tension in the
deck to abutments which are anchored to the ground. This concept was first introduced
by a German engineer Ulrich Finsterwalder. The first stress ribbon bridge was
constructed in Switzerland in the 1960s. The new bridge at Lake Hodges is the sixth
ribbon bridge in North America, with three equal spans of 330 feet is the longest of this
type.
The stress ribbon bridge combines a suspended concave span and a supported convex
span. The concave span utilizes a radius of about 8200 ft while the convex span,
depending on the design speed of the bridge, utilizes an approximate radius of 9800 ft
(1965).
The stress ribbon itself is a reinforced concrete slab with a thickness of about 10 inches
(25.4cm). This reinforcement consists of three to four layers of 1 inch (2.5cm) to 1
inch (1.2cm) diameter, high strength steel. The layers are spaced so that the
prestressing pipe sleeve couplings can be used as spacers both vertically and
horizontally. To resist bending moments from traffic, the slab is heavily reinforced at the
top and bottom in the transverse direction.

The high strength steel tendons are stressed piece by piece during erection to produce
the
desired upward deflection radius of 8200 feet (2500m) under dead load of the
superstructure plus the pavement. A temporary catwalk is provided to stress the first
tendons. The formwork for the bridge is hung from the tendons and then removed once
the concrete is cured. Concrete is placed from the middle of the freely hanging 63
suspended concave part and continues without interruption to the supports
(Finsterwalder 1965).

Fig 2.1 Ulrich Finsterwalder

3. FORM OF A STRESS RIBBON BRIDGE

3.1 Superstructure
A typical stress ribbon bridge deck consists of precast concrete planks with bearing
tendons to support them during construction and separate prestressing tendons which
are tensioned to create the final designed geometric form. The joints between the
planks are most often sealed with in-situ concrete before stressing the deck. The
prestressing tendons transfer horizontal forces in to the abutments and then to the
ground most often using ground anchors. The tendons are encased in ducts which are
generally grouted after tensioning in order to lock in the stress and protect them from
corrosion. Since the bending in the deck is low, the depth can be minimized and results
in reduction in dead load and horizontal forces in abutments.
3.2 Substructure
The abutments are designed to transfer the horizontal forces from the deck cables into
the ground via ground anchors. Pedestrians, wind and temperature loads can cause
large changes in the bending moments in the deck close to the abutments and
accordingly crack widths and fatigue in reinforcement must be considered. The ground
anchors are normally tensioned in 2 stages, the first step is tensioned before the deck is
erected and the rest, after the deck is complete. If stressed in one stage only, there will
be a large out of balance force to be resisted by the abutments in the temporary case.

The soil pressure, overturning and sliding has to be checked for construction as well as
permanent condition.
3.3 Ground Conditions
The ideal ground condition for resisting large horizontal forces from the ribbon is a rock
base. This occurs rarely but suitable foundations can be devised even if competent soils
are only found at some depth below the abutments. In some cases where soil
conditions do not permit the use of anchors, piles can also be used. Horizontal
deformations can be significant and are considered in the design. It is also possible to
use a combination of anchors and drilled shafts. Battered micropiling is another
alternative which can resist the load from the ribbon because of its compression and
tension capacity.

4. COMPARISON WITH A SIMPLE SUSPENSION BRIDGE

A stress ribbon bridge is a tension structure similar in many ways to a simple
suspension bridge. The suspension cables are embedded in the deck which follows a
catenary arc between the supports. As opposed to suspension bridges, where the
cables carry the load, in stress ribbon, by tensioning the cables and the deck between
abutments, the deck shares axial tension forces. Unlike the simple span the ribbon is
stressed in compression, which adds to the stiffness of the structure. A simple
suspension span tends to sway and bounce. The supports in turn support upward
thrusting arcs that allow the grade to be changed between spans, where multiple spans
are used.
Such bridges are typically made from concrete reinforced by steel tensioning cables.
Where such bridges carry vehicle traffic a certain degree of stiffness is required to
prevent excessive flexure of the structure, obtained by stressing the concrete in
compression. Anchorage forces are unusually large since the structure is tightly
tensioned.

Fig 4.1 Bodie Creek Suspension Bridge, Falkland Islands

Fig 4.2 Maldonado Stress Ribbon Bridge, Uruguay

5. CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
The construction of the bridge is relatively straight forward. The abutments and piers are
built first. Next the bearing cables were stretched from abutment to abutment and
draped over steel saddles that rested atop the piers. The bearing tendons generally
support the structure during construction, and only rarely is additional false work used.
Once the bearing cables were tensioned to the specified design force, precast panels
were suspended via support rods located at the four corners of each panel. At this point
the bridge sagged into its catenary shape.
The next step was to place post tensioning ducts in the bridge. The ducts were placed
directly above the bearing cables and support rods, which are all located in two
longitudinal troughs that run the length of the bridge. After the ducts were in place, the
cast-in place concrete was placed in the longitudinal troughs in small transverse closure

joints. Concrete is poured in the joints between the planks and allowed to harden before
the final tensioning is carried out. Retarding admixtures may be used in the concrete
mix to allow all the concrete to be placed before hardening occurs. Once the final
tension has been jacked into the tendons and the deflected shape is verified, the ducts
containing the tendons are grouted.
After allowing the cast in place concrete to cure and achieve its full strength, the bridge
was post tensioned. The post tensioning lifts each span, closes the gap between the
panels, puts the entire bridge in to compression and transforms the bridge in to
continuous ribbon of prestressed concrete.

Fig 5.1 Construction Technique

6. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
The development of the self-anchored stress-ribbon structure supported by an arch is
evident from Fig. 1. It is clear that the intermediate support of a multi-span stress-ribbon
can also have the shape of an arch (Figure 1a). The arch serves as a saddle from which
the stress-ribbon spans can rise during post-tensioning and during temperature drop,
and where the center "band" can rest during a temperature rise.
In the initial stage, the stress-ribbon behaves as a two-span cable supported by the
saddle that is fixed to the end abutments (Figure 1b). The arch is loaded by its selfweight, the weight of the saddle segments and the radial forces caused by the bearing
tendons (Figure 1c). After post-tensioning the stress-ribbon with the prestressing
tendons, the stress-ribbon and arch behave as one structure.
The shape and initial stresses in the stress-ribbon and in the arch can be chosen such
that the horizontal forces in the stress-ribbon HSR and in the arch HA are the same. It is
then possible to connect the stress-ribbon and arch footings with inclined compression
struts that balance the horizontal forces. The moment created by horizontal forces
HSR.h is then resisted by the V.LP. In this way a self-anchored system with only
vertical reactions is created (Figure 1d).

Fig 6.1 Structural System

It is also obvious that the stress-ribbon can be suspended from the arch. It is then
possible to develop several self-anchored systems. Figure 2 presents some concepts
using such systems. Figure 2a shows an arch fixed at the anchor blocks of the slender
prestressed concrete deck. The arch is loaded not only by its self-weight and that of the
stress-ribbon, but also with the radial forces of the prestressing tendons. Figure 2b
shows a structure that has a similar static behavior as the structure presented in Figure
1d. To reduce the tension force at the stress-ribbon anchor blocks, it is possible to
connect the stress-ribbon and arch footings by inclined compression struts that fully or
partially balance the stress-ribbon horizontal forces. Figure 2c shows a similar structure
in which the slender prestressed concrete band has increased bending stiffness in the
portion
of
the
structure
not
suspended
from
the
arch.

Fig 6.2 Structural system

7. MODEL TESTS
7.1 MODEL TESTS
The authors believe that a structural system made up of a stress-ribbon supported by
an arch increases the potential application of stress-ribbon structures. Several analyses
were under taken to verify this. The structures were checked not only with detailed static
and dynamic analysis, but also on static and full aero elastic models. The tests verified
the design assumptions and behavior of the structure under wind loading that
determined the ultimate capacity of the full system.

Fig 7.1.2 Static model

The model tests were done for a proposed pedestrian bridge across the Radbuza River
in Plzen, Czech Republic. This structure was designed to combine a steel pipe arch
having a span length of 77 m and the deck assembled of precast segments. The static
physical model was done in a 1:10 scale. The shape is shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Dimensions of the model and cross-section, loads, and prestressing forces were
determined according to rules of similarity. The stress-ribbon was assembled with
precast segments of 18 mm depth and the cast-in-place haunches were anchored in
anchor blocks made with steel channel sections. The arch consisted of two steel pipes,
and the end struts consisted of two steel boxes fabricated from channel sections. The
saddle was made by two steel angles supported on longitudinal plates strengthened
with vertical stiffeners. The footings common to the arch and inclined struts were
assembled from steel boxes fabricated with two channel sections. They were supported
by steel columns consisting of two I sections. The end ties consisted of four rectangular
tubes. The steel columns and the ties were supported by a longitudinal steel beam that
was anchored to the test floor.

Fig 7.1.3 Static model ultimate load

Fig 7.1.4 Wind tunnel test

The stress-ribbon before casting of the joints. During erection of the segments, casting
of the joints and post-tensioning of the structure, the deformations of the arch and the
deck where the precast segments were made from micro-concrete of 50 MPa
characteristic strength. The stress-ribbon was supported and post-tensioned by 2
monostrands situated outside the section. Their position was determined by two angles
embedded in the segments. The loads, determined according to the rules of similarity,
consisted of steel circular bars suspended on the transverse diaphragms and on the
arch. The number of bars was modified according to desired load. The erection of the
model corresponded to the erection of the actual structure. After the assembly of the
arch and end struts, the monostrands were stranded. Then the segments were placed

on the monostrands and the loads were applied. Next, the joints between the segments
and the haunches were cast. When the concrete reached the minimum prescribed
strength, the monostrands were tensioned to the design force. Before erection of the
segments, strain gauges were attached to the steel members and the initial stresses in
the structure were measured. The strain gauges were attached at critical points of
carefully monitored and the forces in the monostrands were measured by
dynamometers placed at their anchors (Figure 4). The model was tested for the 5
positions of live load. At the end of the tests the ultimate capacity of the overall
structure was determined. It was clear that the capacity of the structure was not given
by the capacity of the stress-ribbon since, after the opening of the joints, the whole load
would be resisted by the tension capacity of the monostrands. Since the capacity of the
structure would be given by the buckling strength of the arch, the model was tested for a
load situated on one side of the structure (Figure 5). The structure was tested for an
increased dead load (1.3 G) applied using the additional suspended steel rods, and
then for a gradually increasing live load P applied with force control using a hydraulic
jack reacting against a loading frame. The structure failed by buckling of the arch at a
load 1.87 times higher than the required ultimate load Qu = 1.3 G + 2.2 P. The stressribbon itself was damaged only locally by cracks that closed after the overloads were
removed. The structure also proved to be very stiff in the transverse direction. The
buckling capacity of the structure was also calculated with a nonlinear analysis in which
the structure was analyzed for a gradually increasing load. The failure of the structure
was taken at the point when the analytic solution did not converge. Analysis was
performed for the arch with and without fabrication imperfections. The imperfections
were introduced as a sinus-shaped curve with nodes at arch springs and at the crown.
Maximum agreement between the analytical solution and the model was achieved for
the structure with a maximum value of imperfection of 10 mm. This value is very close
to the fabrication tolerance. The test has proven that the analytical model can accurately
describe the static function of the structure both at service and at ultimate load. The
dynamic behavior of the proposed structure was also verified by dynamic

STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOADING TESTS

The design assumptions and quality of workmanship of the author's first stress ribbon
structure built in the Czech Republic and of the first stress ribbon bridge built in United
States were checked by measuring the deformations of the superstructure at the time of
prestressing and during loading tests. Dynamic tests were also performed on these

structures. Only a few key results of a typical structure are given here. Since the shape
of a stress ribbon structure is extremely sensitive to temperature change, the
temperature of the bridge was carefully recorded at all times.

Fig 7.2.1 Prague-Troja Bridge - load test

The pedestrian bridge in Prague-Troja was tested by 38 vehicles weighing between 2.8
and 8.4 tons see Fig.4.7.1. First, the vehicles were placed along the entire length of
the structure, and then they were placed on each span. During the test only the
deformations in the middle of the spans and the horizontal displacements of all supports
were measured
8. ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS
8.1 Advantages

Stress ribbon pedestrian bridges are very economical, aesthetical and

almost maintenance free structures.

They require minimal quantity of materials.

They are erected independently from existing terrain and therefore they
have a minimum impact upon the environment during construction.

They are quick and convenient to construct if given appropriate conditions,

without false work.

A stress ribbon bridge allows for long spans with a minimum number of
piers and the piers can be shorter than those required for cable stayed or
suspension bridges.

8.2 Applications of stress ribbon principle

Eco duct: A tunnel which was built as part of a large network of motorways outside
Brno. The theory is the same as a self-anchored arch but the geometry is much more
complex. It is 50m wide and spans 70m a finite element programme was used in its
design.

Stuttgart trade fair hall roof: The suspended asymmetric roof comprises a regular
repetition of stressed trusses with individual I-beam ribbons of steel between them. The
trusses function as strut and tie A-frames based on concrete strip foundations and are
tied back to the ground with anchors. The stresses in the ribbons and weight of its
green roof were used to resist wind uplift.

9. MODIFIED STRESS RIBBON BRIDGES

One disadvantage of the traditional stress ribbon type bridges is the need to resist very
large horizontal forces at the abutments. Another characteristic feature of the stress
ribbon type structures, in addition to their very slender concrete decks, is that the
stiffness and stability are given by the whole structural system using predominantly the
geometric stiffness of the deck. At present research on the development of new
structures combining classical stress-ribbon deck with arches or cables is being carried
out.
9.1 Stress stiffened by arches ribbon bridges
The stress ribbon deck is fixed in the side strut. Both the arches and struts are founded
on the same footings. Due to the dead load the horizontal force both in the arch and in
the stress ribbon have the same magnitude, but they act in opposite directions.
Therefore the foundation is loaded only by vertical reactions. This self-anchoring system
allows a reduction in the cost of the substructure.
The arches serves as a saddle from which the stress ribbon can rise during post
tensioning and during temperature drop, and where the bond can rest during a
temperature rise. In the initial stage the stress ribbon behaves as a two span cable
supported by the saddle that is fixed to end abutments. After post tensioning the stress
ribbon with the prestressing tendons, the stress ribbon and arch behaves as one
structure.
9.2 Stress ribbon bridges stiffened by cables
The second type of studied structure is a suspension structure formed by a straight or
arched stress ribbon fixed at the abutments. External bearing cables stiffen the structure
both in the
vertical and horizontal directions. Horizontal movements caused by live load are
eliminated by stoppers, which only allow horizontal movement due to temperature
change and shrinkage of concrete.

Support of the deck in a horizontal direction provided by a stopper was designed and
analyzed during the study and development of this structural type. This device allows
horizontal movement due to the creep and shrinkage of concrete. At the same time the
devices stops horizontal movement due to short term loads like a live load, wind load or
earthquake. Deck deflections and bending moments are reduced to zero or very small
horizontal movement. Natural frequencies and mode shapes were also determined
during dynamic analysis. The influence of the aforementioned structural arrangements
on frequencies and mode shapes were studied. The structure allows one to place an
observation platform at midspan. But dynamic behavior is influenced by platform
positioning, weight and area. For this reason the aerodynamic stability of the structure
was checked in a wind tunnel.
10. A CASE STUDY
Location: Over Lake Hodges, San Diego, USA
Length: 3 spans of 330 feet
This is the worlds longest stress ribbon bridge. Earlier, there was only a 9 mile road
connecting the north and south sides of the lake. Bicyclists and pedestrians had to use
the shoulder for travelling to and fro from work. Now this elegant structure keeps
pedestrians and bicyclists of the freeway without exacting a toll on the environment or
visual landscape.
The firm behind this evaluated a broad range of bridge types that might be viable for this
location. They included the pre-fabricated steel truss design, various concrete girder
alternatives, a laminated timber bridge in which glue is used for lamination (glulam)
and such long-span alternatives as cable-stayed and suspension bridges. The steel
ribbon concept was also considered. Steel truss, concrete and glulam have bulky super
structure and long span concepts were avoided due to the very high towers. It was quite
clear that the chosen bridge type had to have the following features: Minimal environmental effects.
A long span with a minimum number of piers in the lake.
An ability to be constructed above water without false-work.
A visual effect so minimal that the structure would blend into the landscape.
The design should work well in both dry and wet conditions.
After considering the above options, aesthetically and functionally stress ribbon design
was the perfect choice.

11. STRESS RIBBON BRIDGES AROUND THE GLOBE

12. CONCLUSION
Stress ribbon bridges are a versatile form of bridge, the adaptable form of structure is
applicable to a variety of requirements. The slender decks are visually pleasing and
have a visual impact on surroundings giving a light aesthetic impression. Post tensioned
concrete minimizes cracking and assures durability. Bearings and expansion joints are
rarely required minimizing maintenance and inspections. There are also advantages in
construction method, since erection using pre-cast segments does not depend on
particular site condition and permits labour saving erection and a short time to delivery.
Using bearing tendons can eliminate the need for site form work and large plant,
contributing to fast construction programmes and preservation of the environments.
There is a wide range of different topographies and soil conditions found and a number
of areas which require aesthetic yet cost effective pedestrian bridges to be built: Stress
ribbon bridges could provide elegant solutions to these challenge