Wooden bridge for cyclists and pedestrians

As part of the redesign of the eastern Brussels Ring Road, a new wooden bridge is being constructed over the Vier Armen junction to provide a direct connection for cyclists and pedestrians. The main structural construction material of the bridge is glued Kerto LVL Q-panels. Located in the Sonian forest, this new wooden bridge spans 67.5 meters. Kerto LVL was chosen for this project because of its excellent structural properties, which were fully integrated in the structural design.

References
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18.10.2024
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Kerto LVL, Wood construction

An innovative solution : the timber box girder

The bridge design is an integrated solution, with each component performing multiple functions. The timber box girder consists of a bottom flange, side plates and a top flange, each of which is made of Kerto GLVL-Q panels and has a primary function in the main supporting structure of the bridge. The bottom flange is also the bridge deck. The side panels shield the users from traffic and act as parapets. The top flange is a canopy that protects users and the underlying timber structure from rain.

These panels are crafted from multiple layers of standard Kerto Q, bonded together to create massive panels up to 22 cm thick. The layers are crossed to align with the specific force directions, ensuring maximum strength and durability. This design seamlessly blends functionality, safety, and sustainability while showcasing the unique properties of Kerto GLVL.

Enhancing Durability

With changing weather conditions, protecting timber structures from rainfall is a key design priority. For this bridge, an extended aluminium roof angled at 45° provides robust protection, shielding the timber from rain and ensuring long-term durability.

The construction was meticulously planned in six phases to guarantee that the Kerto® LVL panels were swiftly covered and safeguarded against water stagnation. This strategic approach not only enhances the longevity of the bridge but also showcases the versatility of timber in modern, weather-resistant construction.

Summary
Products used	Kerto LVL
Country	Belgium
Type	Special Constructions
Location	Vier Armen, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium
Client	De Werkvennootschap (with funding from the King Baudouin Foundation)
Building year	2024
Floor area	405m² (67.5 x 6m)
Total area	405m²
Volume	360 m3
Architectural design	Ney & Partners
Structural design	Ney & Partners – Ney & Partners WOW
Constructor	Viabuild & Holzbau Amann
Photographs	©Corentin Haubruge

Technical information
Products used	Kerto® LVL Q-beam
Total area	405m²
Floor area	405m² (67.5 x 6m)
Length	67.5m
Volume	360 m³ LVL
Applications	Bridge
Carbon storage	231 tn CO₂eq
Carbon footprint	281 tn CO₂eq
Benefits	The bridge's geometry is designed to protect against rainfall. Kerto LVL Q-panels, with a thickness of max 22 cm, are used for all main structural elements. Transversal Kerto frames every 3 meters ensure lateral stability. Construction planned in six stages to protect wood from rain.