Himmelhausmattesteg suspension bridge

Initial situation and concept

With the Himmelhausmattesteg, a pedestrian and bike path bridge was built in Trubschachen that connects Himmelhausmatte with the train station. It provides a safe route to school and closes a gap in the national hiking and biking trail network.

The bridge’s structural concept is based on an innovative solution from Jakob Rope Systems: for the first time, a load-bearing stainless steel wire rope net of the Webnet type takes on the function of conventional suspension ropes. At the same time, the net structure serves as a lateral fall protection system. Thanks to this dual function, additional railing elements were not required, resulting in a lightweight and transparent structure.

Planning and implementation

The Webnet was planned from the outset as an integral part of the structural system. The net geometry and connections were designed to meet both load-bearing requirements and safety standards. The stainless steel net is attached to the main load-bearing ropes and, together with them, forms the bridge’s central load-bearing system.

After the pylons were installed, the pre-assembled bridge girder was hoisted into place and then tensioned with the load-bearing ropes and the net structure. The desired structural geometry was achieved through precise adjustment of the prestressing forces.

Completed in 2020, the bridge demonstrates the potential of Webnet as a multifunctional construction element. The solution combines load-bearing function, fall protection, and architectural lightness in a single structure.