NORTH RIVER BRIDGE, THULE, GREENLAND

This article describes the design and construction of a river bridge in Thule, Greenland. Climate conditions dictate a very short construction period, from June to mid September, with another month for completion work. All construction elements have to be shipped in and the ship arrival season in Thule is limited to July and August. To improve the river hydraulic flow, it was decided to remove the abutting embankments, thus lengthening the bridge itself. The bridge consists of a free span steel superstructure in two Warren-type regular trusses. Fixed bearings are provided in the centre of each end of the bridge and spherical sliding bearings below the outer truss modes. The bridge deck consists of oak timber beams, suitable for this cold and dry climate. Abutments and retaining walls are constructed in reinforced in-situ cast concrete, with scour protection of a filter layer. The construction process was begun in June 2002 and the bridge opened for traffic in October.