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Overview

This project involved the design and development of detailed fabrication drawings for cladding panels for a pedestrian bridge located on a hotel property in Boise. The bridge is divided into two sections: the Bridge Span and Site Walls along the access roads. The proposed layout featured two types of GFRC panels: wall panels and cap panels.

The key challenge of the project was to replicate the bridge’s intricate curves while adhering to the architectural concept. Nearly every panel had a unique shape, requiring meticulous attention to detail and precise engineering.

Input: Architectural drawings set, Architectural and structural reference models.

Project deliverables:

  • Shop drawings set;
  • Manufacturing drawings;
  • Mold drawings.
Services: BIM, ARCHITECTURE, STRUCTURE
Subservices: GFRC façade panel design, Hot-rolled steel design and detailing, Fabrication/Installation drawings, Construction drawings
Industry: Infrastructure
Object type: Bridges
Area: 160 m² / 1730 ft²
Tools used: Autodesk Revit, ARKANCE (AGACAD) Metal Framing, ARKANCE (AGACAD) Smart Documentation, Autodesk AutoCAD, Dynamo
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Project stages
1. Input analysis of the original structural model & architectural design drawings
2. Determining the position of the vertical handrail posts and the maximum panel size
3. Outlining the preliminary panel layout
4. Integration of structural, electrical, and architect's inputs on markups and directions
5. Model completion as per approved panel layout
6. Mold drawings development
7. Shop drawings development
8. GFRC & frame manufacturing drawings development
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Input Analysis and Preliminary Layout Development

The initial analysis involved a detailed review of the structural model, architectural design drawings, and feasibility assessment. A key focus was the Bridge section’s handrailing system, where vertical railing posts significantly influenced the panel layout—considering each panel needed to fit precisely between the posts.

To achieve a uniform and visually cohesive design, the initial analysis focused on standardizing the spacing of the vertical railing posts. This approach ensured consistent panel lengths while accommodating the bridge’s unique geometry. The preliminary panel layout was then developed based on these standardized dimensions. This resulted in an efficient and harmonious cladding system.

MEP Coordination

The bridge’s complex geometry, featuring curves and twists in multiple directions, required close collaboration with structural and electrical teams to refine the layout, resolve design dependencies, and incorporate the architect’s feedback.

The bridge design elegantly incorporated all electrical components: electrical panel, lighting fixtures, and other elements — they were all neatly concealed behind removable panels. This way, the bridge’s aesthetic appeal remained intact and without sacrificing easy access for maintenance.

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Attachment Details and Model Completion

The attachment methods for the panels varied across the different sections of the bridge — all to ensure both functionality and aesthetic consistency. Explore them in detail below.

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Bridge Span

For this section, panels were fastened to the bridge’s bearing steel structure. Each GFRC panel was supported by its own steel frame, secured to the GFRC body using pencil rods. This assembly was then attached to the bridge’s steel structure using a combination of welded and screwed-together steel clips. This ensured a sturdy, durable connection and flexibility during installation.

Site Walls

Panels in this section were engineered without individual frames. Instead, we used a system of steel clips embedded within the GFRC body, paired with a set of loose steel clips. These clips were secured with screws and directly fastened to the concrete.

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Mold Drawings

To guarantee the final GFRC panels matched the intended shapes precisely, we created an additional set of detailed drawings for the molds, tailored to each panel’s unique geometry. We offered it as an additional scope to our client — with the goal of ensuring manufacturing precision and achieving a seamless fit for each panel during installation.

Galerie
Drawings

Click on preview to view high resolution PDF drawings

Benefits
Efficiency-first approach and convenience in production thanks to ORIGIN’s proactive inputs
Proactive coordination with the architectural model and other subcontractors
Rapid production of numerous detailed and cohesive drawings thanks to automatic drawing generation with a specialized add-on
Tools used
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Autodesk Revit
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ARKANCE (formerly AGACAD) Metal Framing
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ARKANCE (formerly AGACAD) Smart Documentation
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Autodesk AutoCAD
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Dynamo
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