Design and dimensioning of a complex timber-glass hybrid structure: The IFAM pedestrian bridge

Research has repeatedly pointed out the suitability of adhesive bonding to substitute to""traditional"" joining techniques for numerous materials and loads, including timber to glass.Practitioners, however, are still reluctant to implement them into their designs. Adhesion as amethod of joining, particularly in the context of hybrid structures, presupposes knowledge ofall involved materials, including codes and procedures; most practitioners however tend to befocused on just a subset of materials. While such specialization is not unusual, it makes itchallenging to implement novelty (i.e. new materials or techniques, cf. [1-2]). Additionally,when it comes to adhesion, where most ""knowledge"" has been generated by chemists, thelines become even more blurred.Taking the example of a pedestrian timber-glass bridge, this research shows how design anddimensioning of complex bonded hybrid structures can be performed in accordance with""traditional"" engineering practice. The paper guides through every step, from the firstconcepts to the final design, including the manufacturing, of a relatively complex structure, inwhich timber and glass act together as equivalent members. The compliance of this processwith engineering models is emphasised, and the embedment into existing codes and standardsis sought after to ensure acceptancy by practitioners.