Bridge design The starting point for the design of the bridge in ice is based on a design made by Leonardo Da Vinci. The original design from the 16th century was developed to span the Golden Horn in Istanbul. This design would have had a span of 240 meters and a width of 24 meters. It consisted of three geometrical principles, namely, a pressed-bow, a parabolic curve and a keystone arch. The bridge would have had the largest span of that time, if the sultan of Turkey would have had approved it. A scale model (1:6) of the Da Vinci Bridge from ice was our goal. Several factors have influenced the final design. We operated as a non – profi t organization and depended on sponsors, participants and the available material and equipment. Research into fi ber reinforced ice is still in its early stages, which means that a lot of material properties are unknown. Together with structural engineers and our participants we started this challenge. During the design process more and more got clear. The research group came up with interesting results and de structural engineers calculated uncountable options. With this knowledge we were able to get to a fi nal design: a bridge with a free span of 35 meters, a total length of almost 70meters and 10 meters high. 13
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