Comparative Analysis of Common Structural Systems for Pedestrian Bridges in Kuwait

Pedestrian bridges are crucial urban infrastructure, providing safe passage over roads, railways, and waterways. Different structural systems like trusses, steel girders, and reinforced concrete beams are used, but more research is needed to determine the best design for specific regional contexts.

This research paper presents a comparison of various structural systems for pedestrian bridges, with a focus on a practical case study in Kuwait. The study evaluates five common pedestrian bridge designs: steel, concrete, and three truss arrangements. The designs were assessed based on multiple criteria, such as cost, construction time, structural weight, carbon emissions, and vibration performance. Using a decision-making matrix (DMM) and engineering judgment, Truss 3 (X-bracings without verticals) was identified as the optimal design. It features a unique bracing system that enhances its properties. Truss 3 was found to be the lightest design at 561.6 kN, with moderate CO₂ emissions of 64.2 tons and a cost of 4288.5 KD per span. Detailed design and safety checks were conducted using ETABS software. The final design was detailed and presented using Autodesk Revit.

The findings highlight the importance of using integrated frameworks and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to select suitable structural systems that meet technical and regional sustainability goals.

This research aims to provide a robust solution tailored to the unique conditions of Kuwait, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability for pedestrian bridge infrastructure.