06.023 | Second Schelde Bridge

The bridge has a span of 56 m consisting of two opening parts of 28 m allowing for the passage of large ships. The mechanism of the bridge is unique and rests on a new concept in bridge design that constitutes a world premiere: a hydraulic piston is integrated as a stay for the mobile parts of the bridge. Activating the piston changes the length of the stay and naturally opens or closes the bridge. When the bridge is closed, the hydraulic piston functions as a passive suspension cable. This new bridge typology is called ‘piston-stayed bridge’.