A multimodal bridge between two research districts in the US city of Indianapolis suspends its deck to a fan of masts using flat steel plates.
16 Tech Innovation District Bridge crosses Fall Creek, which divides it from the city’s research and medical corridor. More than half of its 20m deck is dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, who are separated from motor traffic by protected pathways.
The ribbon-like design of 16 Tech Bridge, Indianapolis, USA. Credit: sbp
The bridge is the first suspension bridge of its kind in the USA. By replacing large vertical masts with a fan-like arrangement of smaller masts and substituting traditional suspension cables with 5cm thick flat steel plates, the bridge achieves its signature wave-like form. This system efficiently distributes internal forces, using tension and compression instead of bending (link opens in new tab).
As an integral structure, 16 Tech doesn’t have expansion joints and bearings, which minimises the need for maintenance.
The design team was led by sbp and Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), included Moniteurs Communication Design, Martha Schwartz Partners (MSP), Shrewsberry & Associates, CTL Engineering, Circle Design Group, and People for Urban Progress (PUP). 16 Tech Bridge was commissioned by the 16 Tech Community Corporation. It was fabricated by Cimolai with steel erection by Harmon Steel and construction by Kokosing Construction Company.
