e-mosty December 2018 e-mosty December 2018 | Page 9

Figure 3: General Arrangement Drawing of the bridge
STRUCTURE
The bridge has four continuous, cable-supported
spans which comprise an entirely precast, segmental
match-cast deck and are supported by three ‘Y’
shaped pylons.
The plan curvature, slope of the vertical alignment
and superelevation - coupled with the sloping pylons
and cable planes - makes using the bridge an engaging
experience for Amman’s residents.
The bridge’s sinuous ‘S’ curve alignment results from
the need to transition into tunnels and existing
roundabouts at both ends of the bridge. The deck is
approximately 45m above the deepest part of the
valley floor. 1. COMPLEXITY VS SIMPLICITY
While the tallest pylon is 71m high, with others at
56m, above deck-level the pylons are identical and as
a whole follow the same morphology, with the lower
stem being truncated to suit the required level. The solutions are integrated - I personally took the
lead and responsibility for all aspects from aesthetics,
structure, finish, construction support and even
lighting.
Because the bridge’s alignment requires radii of as
low as 180m and it is situated in a highly seismic
region near the Jordan Valley Fault, structural form
and function are brought together in a unique
manner. The result - a unique ‘S’ shaped cable-stayed bridge
boasting titles for the longest span bridge in Jordan,
the first cable-stayed bridge in Jordan, and the first
cable-stayed bridge built by the contractor.
I hung the deck from the outstretched arms of the
towers, giving lateral as well as vertical support. This
structural form allows for a fluid dynamism to this
urban landmark.
4/2018
In addition to creating a structure to fit into the
existing urban context and landscape, the bridge also
addresses a number of engineering challenges.
All accomplished within an extremely economical
budget.
The key concept is about how to use the different
properties, advantages of reinforced and prestressed
concrete in the most advantageous manner