Circular Arch Bridge at The Green Village

The Circular Arch Bridge at The Green Village in Delft is a 14-meter-long pedestrian and cyclist bridge, connecting The Green Village with the Delft University of Technology campus, and a showcase for circular concrete, C2CA materials and sustainable design.

The bridge is constructed from prefabricated concrete blocks using 100% C2CA recycled coarse aggregate and 100% C2CA recycled fine aggregate.

Prefabricated by Strukton Prefab Beton B.V., the concrete blocks of the bridge are designed to fit together without the use of glue or cement, making the structure easy to dismantle and reuse elsewhere. This modular approach supports the principles of circular construction and allows for future adaptability.

The bridge's design leverages an arch shape, creating compressive forces that hold the blocks together. An S-shaped profile in the blocks prevents vertical displacement, ensuring structural integrity. The construction process involved assembling the bridge on a wooden mold before lifting it into place.

The bridge is a real-world example of circular construction bringing sustainable development closer to the public, located on a busy route underscoring its practical utility.

The project involved various stakeholders, including BAM Infra Nederland, which assembled the bridge, and other companies like Jansen Beton, SQAPE, and Zilverschoon Randwijk. As a pilot project, the bridge also incorporates other materials such as repurposed brick and geopolymer cement, this ongoing experimentation and learning process are vital for refining the methods and materials used in circular construction. Monitoring the bridge's performance is crucial, with continuous laser measurements tracking its stability and response to environmental conditions.

With the potential to span up to 30 meters, this bridge concept could address the need for replacing or constructing new pedestrian and cycling bridges in the Netherlands, where approximately 100,000 such structures will be required in the coming decades. The modular and sustainable approach offers a cost-effective solution which also significantly reduces environmental impact.