Rope Mesh as Structural Substitute for Lightweight Footbridge Structures – Learnings from Case Studies

Rope meshes consist of series of quasi-parallel wire ropes that are alternately interconnected by woven knots or sleeves. Initially pre-tensioned into a mesh configuration, they are characterized by their diamond- shaped geometry, rope diameter, knot type, and steel grade. These meshes are predominantly made of stainless steel, less frequently of galvanised steel or fibre ropes. Due to their favourable mechanical properties of high strength and flexibility, rope meshes are typically used in applications for fall protection and spatial lightweight structures. In bridge construction, rope meshes classically act as infill elements for vertical and horizontal fall protection. The case studies Cycle and Footbridge – Himmelhausmattesteg (span 24 m) and Suspension Bridge – La Pendenta (span 270 m) illustrate how the mesh can be integrated into the primary structural system, serving as a combined substitute for classic hanger cables as well as fall protections. The significant nonlinear behaviour of the mesh, including its resistance and stiffness, is determined by using semi-empirical methods, which are also employed to calibrate the FEM analysis. The meshes are tested as a system in uniaxial and biaxial tests to determine their stiffness, but also as individual nodes [1] to evaluate their resistance from the resulting loss factors of the ropes. These case studies provide valuable insight into the design process and methods, design details, method statements and basic behaviour.