ARET 2220 Applied Research Report Jeremy Cox
Assignment #1 – Research Proposal
Pedestrian Bridge
Summary- I intend to investigate the need for, practicality, design possibilities and costs associated with the construction of a new pedestrian bridge at two specific sites in Kamloops, BC.
Purpose- The purpose of this investigation will be to understand the process involved with the research and design of public amenities. I would also propose an important piece of infrastructure to the City of Kamloops that could decrease traffic congestion and increase use of public spaces. This project also has the potential to increase a sense of community and reduce the risk of injury or death to Kamloops residents.
The intent of my project is to propose:
1) Site A- A pedestrian bridge from the Thompson Rivers University campus over Summit Drive to Dalgleish Drive. I would like to discover whether a pedestrian bridge would make it more convenient for students and other users of the university to walk rather than drive to the campus. I would also learn if a pedestrian bridge had the potential help to eliminate illegal crossings of Summit Drive as well as reduce vehicle congestion at the intersection of Summit Drive and McGill Road.
2) Site B- A pedestrian bridge from Lansdowne Shopping Centre around 6th Ave over the railway tracks to Lorne Street and 6th Ave. I would investigate whether a second pedestrian bridge to the Interior Savings Centre, Riverside Park and the residences on the north side of the railway will increase opportunities for recreation at the park and also increase business opportunities for Lansdowne Shopping Centre and the businesses north of the railway tracks. I would also determine if the pedestrian bridge would increase participation in other physical activities by allowing easier access to the parks and other recreational activities north of the railway tracks.
Objective- As a result of researching these sites, my intended objective is to study the types and designs of pedestrian bridges that have been constructed. I intend to look at the different shapes, materials and construction methods used to build various footbridges. I also intend to design a concept for a bridge for one of these two locations. The bridge design will need to account for the heavy use of the area(s) that the bridge will span. Accordingly, the bridge will need to be designed and constructed with minimal interruption to the activities occurring at the site(s). I intend to learn about the materials, methods and designs of pedestrian bridges that could span these crossings without structural supports in the centre that could potentially interrupt the activities below. Using the information gathered I would design a concept for a bridge that could be proposed to the City of Kamloops and/or the university for construction.
Methodology- I intend to gather results about the need for a bridge by way of a written survey and also through interviewing users of the existing pedestrian overpass and potential users of new overpasses. There may also be an opportunity to interview City of Kamloops town planners or other representatives to discuss long term plans to relieve congestion and increase use of the specific sites.
The possible methods of construction will be learned through the study of existing projects with similar criteria and scale. I will also research the amount of space required on either side of the bridge for landings, access, trails and green space. I would like to build several scale models to further understand the design and test the load bearing capacities.
The design process will incorporate knowledge and skills learned from participation in the ARET program at Thompson Rivers University. I will also expand on my abilities through the design of a category of structure that I have not previously studied.
Previous Studies of Footbridges and Technologies
· The Royal Victoria Dockbridge, London- Cable construction (Phiri, 1999)
· Fort Edmonton Footbridge, Edmonton (City of Edmonton, 2011)
· Design of a Low Cost Bamboo Footbridge (Laroque, 2007)
· Footbridge Design and Engineering (Mahmoud, 2007)
· Details in architecture (Author Unknown, 2000)
Contribution of the Project- I conceived this project by seeing a need and having an interest in the design of bridges. My role in implementing this project will be to do the research of existing precedent bridges, conduct the surveys and design a concept.
As a student of architectural and engineering technology, the project will contribute to my own academic goals and objectives by expanding my knowledge and understanding of structural and design principles, methodologies and materials. I will gain a wider understanding and appreciation of the data required in order to design a footbridge for a specific site. The information gathered could also be used for other projects (my own, the city’s or the university’s) in the future.
The City of Kamloops may benefit from the research if an acceptable concept is designed and the city decides to proceed using some or all of the information retrieved. The university students may also benefit if a safer method of arriving at the university is implemented.
References Cited-
Phiri. M., (1999) Information Technology in Construction Design. Retrieved on Jan.30 2011 from http://books.google.ca/books?id=zn6uLnZEvAUC&pg=PA163&dq=footbridge+construction&hl=en&ei=btlFTd_xEob4swOyltSJCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CGYQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=footbridge%20construction&f=false
City of Edmonton, (2011)Fort Edmonton Footbridge Project. Retrieved on Jan.30 2011 from http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/parks_rivervalley/fort-edmonton-footbridge-project.aspx
Laroque. P., (2007) Design of a Low Cost Bamboo Footbridge. Retrieved on Jan.30 2011 from http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/39270/170931831.pdf?sequence=1
Mahmoud. K., (2007) Innovations in Bridge Engineering Technology. Retrieved on Jan.30 2011 from http://books.google.ca/books?id=zsTAyFeYEccC&pg=PA78&dq=cable+supported+footbridge+analysis&hl=en&ei=auNFTZ1YjaKxA_njhfsK&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=cable%20supported%20footbridge%20analysis&f=false
(Author Unknown), (2000) Details in Architecture, Creative Detailing By Some of the Worlds Leading Architects. Retrieved on Jan.30 2011 from http://books.google.ca/books?id=0Y7Hr8-wSMUC&pg=PA82&dq=footbridge+construction+japan&hl=en&ei=4-JFTdngNIO2sAOKnI2pCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CEIQ6AEwATgU#v=onepage&q=footbridge%20construction%20japan&f=false
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