Guadua angustifolia as an alternative for the construction of pedestrian bridges

Abstract

This paper proposes structural modules of Guadua angustifolia for the construction of pedestrian bridges as a solution to the lack of infrastructure in village roads and even in suburban areas.The proposed module can be used in the construction of arch bridges, suspension bridges, and floating steps. However, in this work, the module was designed to be used in straight truss bridges, since this is the configuration in which the bridge elements would be exposed to internal forces of greater magnitude. Element resistance was analytically determined by the method of allowable stresses. Subsequently, load tests were performed on full-scale specimens of the modules and structural elements. Using a numerical model, it was found that, following load specifications by the Colombian Code of Bridges, a bridge with a clear span of up to 21 meters could be constructed