Pedestrian bridges allow designers to create unique sculptural structures which often become focal points and tourist attractions in addition to their primary purpose. The most creative designs allow engineers to explore new materials and experiment with new design concepts. Some of the world’s most spectacular recent pedestrian bridges have used duplex and austenitic stainless steels in locations around the world.
With strength levels higher than carbon steel structural sections (36 or 50 ksi (250 or 450 MPa)), duplex stainless steels have become increasingly popular as a means to reduce structural section sizes and bridge weight. A recent The Construction Specifier web article titled More on duplex stainless steel and bridges provides additional examples and information.
In November 2015, two spectacular arched duplex stainless steel bridges were announced for Fort York Park in Toronto. They are Canada’s first stainless steel bridges and were designed by Pedelta.