If you need a robust barrier material to provide fall protection for a pedestrian bridge with an irregular geometric design, you can’t go past Jakob’s Webnet mesh.
The reason we talk about Webnet as much as we do is because of the way it so frequently provides a bespoke solution for a ‘quirky’ project. Webnet is a highly malleable material that can conform to all kinds of designs and shapes. It can be twisted and turned, draped over and wrapped around objects, and used to create many different sculptural forms.
At the same time, the material has an almost translucent quality. This means it won’t interfere with architectural design, impede views or restrict airflow.
Here are some examples of its uses on unique pedestrian bridges.
Lachlan’s Line footbridge, Sydney
If there was ever a pedestrian bridge with irregular design it would have to be this one! Its helical curving form, not to mention its bold blue colouring, is not something you see every day in a footbridge.
While the bridge was built for pedestrian and cyclist safety, it’s also more than that. It has a unique sculptural quality and form that stands out in almost monument-like fashion against the backdrop of the Macquarie Park precinct.
For this project, we used 40mm aperture Webnet mesh to create the anti-throw screens around the outside of the bridge. 63 separate pieces of mesh were formed, each with a unique shape that would conform to its final position on the bridge.
This required making a complex 3D model of every piece, and then flattening each one out for manufacture.
The finished screen conforms to the shape of the bridge, providing the required safety aspects while allowing the bridge’s design to shine.
Albert Cotter Bridge, Sydney
This 440m bridge over Anzac Parade is curved to suit the site’s topography and features helical approach ramps and curved steel box beams.
To create the mesh barrier, we did most of the construction off-site. The barrier was then lifted into position onto the footbridge once it was completed, with only minor adjustments needed.
The finished barrier conforms to the curving shapes of the bridge all the way along its length, giving it a dynamic and almost organic appearance.
Elizabeth Quay footbridge, Perth
This footbridge over the water in Perth needed a transparent barrier that would follow its S-curve design, while meeting all safety codes and standards.
To achieve this, we used a modular approach. The mesh was formed into panels which were matched to the bridge’s contours. The panels were then joined together, which gives the appearance of one continuous piece along the length of the bridge.
Rose Garden Bridge, Hobart
The 60m Rose Garden Bridge over Brooker Avenue provides a link between the city centre to Queens Domain for pedestrians and cyclists.
This one is yet another example of a curved bridge that required a flexible and adaptable barrier. Stainless steel frames configured in various geometric shapes and infilled with Webnet mesh were installed all along its length, conforming to the design while providing maximum safety.
If you would like to further discuss fall protection for pedestrian bridges with irregular geometric design, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Image source: Hobart Observer – https://hobartobserver.com.au/?p=4306
