OVER THE LOOKING GLASS
16 Sep 2020
The world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge has been completed by UAD in Lianzhou, China, measuring to an astounding 526 metres! Breaking Guinness World Records, the bridge uses innovative construction methods to stay secure while seamlessly melding into the surrounding landscape.
The bridge is located in the Huanchuan three gorges scenic area and has been designed by UAD as a “transparent corridor in the air”, the bridge is paved with three layers of 4.5cm thick, ultra-clear, tempered laminated glass, which has a visibility of 99.15 percent.
The guardrails are composed of curved stainless-steel bars. The bridge tower and red cables form the foundation of the bridge and combine “the solid and the void, the modern and the classical”.
Lianzhou in southeast China is often affected by typhoons in summer, meaning that the bridge requires exceptional wind resistance. The design team performed wind tunnel testing and finite element simulation, analysing the frequency and modes of vibration to ensure the bridge is secure. The degree of enclosure of the guardrails provide strong support, optimising the bridge’s design and maintenance for the future.
An oblique wind-resistant cable system is fixed to the concrete anchors, which enhances lateral sustainability and wind resistance performance.
The bridge spans cliffs and the river below at 201 metres high.
Tourism has been booming since the bridge opened, helping to inject money into the local tourism industry.
Based on respecting nature, clear planning and positioning, creativity, and the courage to push limits, UAD’s design aims to reactivate the natural environment and produce an innovative built landscape that contributes to the economic development of the area.
Images and video by Lianzhou Qingtian Tourism Development Co. Ltd