The network arch bridge (NAB) is a new structural form of arch bridge that was devised 60 years ago by the Norwegian engineer Per Tveit, who is now prof. dr. docent emeritus at the University of Agder, Norway. The network arch is a tied-arch (also known as a bowstring-arch) bridge that combines the benefits of tied-arch bridges and trusses in a single system. While in a classical tied arch, the hangers are vertical, in a network arch, the suspension of the deck to the arch is ensured through a network of inclined hangers that intersect each other at least twice. Thus, the core of the NAB is the hanger arrangement that minimizes the bending moment in the arch to very small values, leading to compression in the arch. Compression with only small bending leads to very slender cross-sections for the elements of the bridge, and deep reductions in terms of materials used and economic and environmental costs. This paper reviews the research into the structural form proposed by Per Tveit and extended by researchers and engineers worldwide. The research methodology included bibliometric literature research, obtained by interrogating the ISI Web of Science (WoS) database and the cited references from the articles on WoS. While the first structural form of a network arch is still in use today and it has proven to be a good idea for spans around 100–120 m, engineers worldwide devised new bridge cross-sections. A brief view of the types of bridge cross-section in use today is given, with details about the bridges chosen as representative. Using analysis of Prof. Tveit’s map, Structurae database and literature review, a database of the network arches around the world was created, emphasizing the development of network arches from the perspectives of continental distribution, opening year, number of structures in different structural forms, and bridge purposes. The structural form was assessed from the perspective of materials used for the arch and the tie, span, purpose and number of lanes, the presence/absence of upper wind-bracings and arch disposition in the vertical plane. In the last part of this review, the newest research into the development of the network arch is discussed. In the past 15 years we have seen an acceleration in network arch development from multiple perspectives: new materials used, such as glulam for the arch or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic for the hangers; span lengths of 250 m and 380 m for large bridge widths; architectural constraints that lead to the outward inclination of the arch, that is pleasing to the eye, but difficult to address from an engineering perspective; the most slender arch bridge in the world, with very slender cross-sections for the arch and the tie. 

A Review of the Network Arch Bridge

The first Network Arch Bridge (NAB) was opened to traffic 60 years ago and since then the idea spread around the world. It is a type of a tied arch bridge that combines the benefits of tied arch bridges and trusses in a single system, thus it has a very good stiffness even in the case of extremely slender structures. In a Network Arch the hangers are inclined and some of them intersect each other at least twice. The core of a NAB is the hanger arrangement that minimizes the bending moment in the arch to very small values, leading thus to compression in the arch. This paper reviews the Network Arch idea devised by prof. Tveit and extended by researchers and engineers worldwide. A comprehensive review of the literature about the Network Arch is provided and the situation of NABs around the world from the standpoint of location, span, structural system used for the cross-section, bridge type (road, railway, combined or pedestrian) and opening year is discussed. 

The recently completed East Taupo Arterial project is a 16-kilometre section of new highway running along the eastern outskirts of Taupo, North Island, New Zealand. This new road is provided to reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling through the Taupo CBD and along the lakefront and to reduce traffic congestion during the holiday season and events. This project, first proposed 40 years ago, features two large steel-composite bridge structures including a striking new bridge over the Waikato River. This bridge, with a 100m network arch central span, provides two lanes of traffic, a footpath/cycleway and provision for two large diameter steam pipes to be carried on the bridge deck. Currently this bridge is the largest and second only network arch bridge in New Zealand. This paper discusses the design and innovations in this network arch bridge. This includes the adoption of concrete filled steel box sections for the arch top chord members to cater for a critical design case where hanger bars may be struck by an errant vehicle. This paper also explores the challenges faced with the construction of the bridge over the Waikato River. There were a number of key stakeholders, including the local (Maori) iwi, the Department of Conservation and the various users of the river and its water, which governed the project methodology. A significant amount of temporary works was required to support this light weight and flexible structure as it was assembled over the river. The key factors in the successful completion of this iconic structure are discussed.

East Taupo Arterial: Waikato River Bridge

Perry Bridge is a 130 m long network arch pedestrian bridge, which carries the Te Awa River Ride walk and cycleway over the Waikato River, in the central North Island of New Zealand. This paper giv...

Perry Bridge Network Arch—Elegance in Efficiency

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Perry Bridge Network Arch—Elegance in Efficiency