The Areté Bridge represents a new direction in FRP pedestrian bridge design, combining proven FRP advantages with streamlined assembly and refined aesthetics.
Introducing the Areté Bridge
Areté Structures is thrilled to announce an entirely new bridge, the Areté Bridge—now fully engineered, load tested, and ready for your next project. Developed with a focus on streamlined assembly, refined aesthetics, and improved user comfort, this bridge combines proven FRP advantages with several structural innovations not commonly found in the market today.
All Square-Tube FRP Construction
The Areté Bridge is constructed entirely from square-tube FRP members and gusset plates. This approach is exceptionally unique in the world of FRP pedestrian bridges. The square-tube system improves connection efficiency, increases member bearing, and provides a clean, uniform visual profile.
Flared Truss Design
Each truss flares outward by 10 degrees, increasing usable interior width and improving safety by giving bicyclists more handlebar clearance and clearer sightlines. This creates a “softening effect”—a subtle widening that makes the bridge feel more comfortable and less confining.
Aesthetically Pleasing Profile
The Areté Bridge emphasizes clean lines and a refined structural appearance. The use of U-frames in the truss geometry allows us to eliminate traditional external outriggers, keeping the silhouette smooth and uncluttered.
Your Areté Structures bridge won’t just meet your expectations – it will exceed them!
Why Choose the Areté Bridge?
The Areté Bridge is designed to be as attractive as it is functional, offering distinct advantages in safety, comfort, and engineering validation.
#1 Choice for Safety and Comfort
Engineers in Switzerland have successfully applied the “softening-effect” concept in tunnel design, using outward-flared walls to help drivers feel more relaxed. We’ve adapted that same principle for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, enhancing comfort without increasing the deck footprint.
#1 Choice for Reliability
Prior to finalizing the design, we performed extensive testing to identify the strongest and most reliable connection system. The completed prototype underwent a full structural load-testing program, with behavior, deflection, and connection performance meeting or exceeding expectations.
Technical Design Details
The Areté Bridge emphasizes clean lines and a refined structural appearance. By utilizing a square-tube system, we deliver excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and durability while retaining the lightweight modularity that FRP bridges are known for. Both the top chord and the deck can be cambered, offering an optional graceful rise that enhances sightlines and visual appeal while also contributing to efficient load distribution. The overall result is a bridge that is viable for real-world installations and ready to support your next project.
Structural Design Elements
The below items are essential and fundamental elements of the Areté Bridge design.
- Square-tube FRP members
- Gusset plates
- U-frames (eliminating external outriggers)
- Cambered top chord and deck
Ideal Applications
The Areté Bridge is engineered to suit projects where aesthetics and user comfort are paramount:
- Pedestrian crossings
- Bicycle trails (improved handlebar clearance)
- Parks requiring refined aesthetics
- Projects needing streamlined assembly
- Locations requiring clear sightlines
Choose Areté Structures for Your Next Bridge
Our team will work with you through the entire design, manufacturing, delivery, and assembly process. When you’re ready to get started, contact us. Or request a quote for your FRP pedestrian boardwalk bridge now by completing our online form here.