After the Daxia Tower and the Wuhan Taikang Financial Centre, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) recently delivered the design for an attractive new bridge in China. The bridge, the Chengdu West First Bridge, showcases the firm's signature style with an elegant curved form that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
The Chengdu West First Bridge has a length of 295 metres and allows pedestrians, cyclists and cars to cross the Jiangxi River. The bridge is part of a larger ring road and cycling route in Chengdu.
The bridge makes a gentle curve to one side as it crosses the river and consists of two large white steel supporting arches that protrude from the road surface on either side. The arches, which reach a maximum height of 30 metres, lean against and touch each other. This stabilises the structure against crosswinds. During the project, much attention was paid to the bridge's ability to withstand severe weather conditions. Of course, one hopes this is the case with every bridge but it is currently a concern especially in China after several disasters related to climate change.
ZHA used structural analysis software for the design. The dead weight of the material, the various types of load, as well as the effects of wind and temperature were all taken into account.
The Chengdu West First Bridge was designed in 2019 following an architectural competition. The bridge was built using locally produced, prefabricated steel sections. These were welded together on site and lifted into place with mobile cranes. The piers and abutments were made of reinforced concrete and no foundations were placed in the river itself.
