Pedestrian Bridge / Existing Building Connection
Pedestrian Bridge / Existing Building Connection
(OP)
I have a pedestrian bridge that leads to an existing masonry building. I have a 25mm gap between the end of the bridge and the existing masonry building. The pedestrian bridge is self-supporting for gravity loads but relies on the existing masonry building for lateral support at that end of the bridge. Please see attached sketch. I am wondering how I can detail this connection to transfer lateral loads only. I can always butt the angle to the masonry wall and slot the holes vertically, but I also need to prevent the bridge from pushing into the masonry wall during storm/seismic event. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance.






RE: Pedestrian Bridge / Existing Building Connection
RE: Pedestrian Bridge / Existing Building Connection
Thanks for the response. Can you provide a brief description of what these lateral restraints would look like? Thanks.
RE: Pedestrian Bridge / Existing Building Connection
Michael.
"Science adjusts its views based on what's observed. Faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved." ~ Tim Minchin
RE: Pedestrian Bridge / Existing Building Connection
In simplest terms, you need a bumper on each side to restrain the lateral movement. That could be just an angle bolted to the wall...you need to determine how the wall is built first. If the restraint is offensive to the architect, you could move it inside the perimeter bridge beam, shifting the end cross member away from the wall to provide space for the bumper. Lots of ways to do it, depending on the actual dimensions of your structure and the existing conditions. Another thing...has differential vertical movement due to deflection and/or settlement been considered?