The Kopparvik Bridge in the port of Visby is an ongoing project that will improve access for visitors from cruise ships into the city. But the Kopparvik Bridge is not just a bridge - the project combines function and aesthetics by also serving as a viewpoint. The Afry team, led by Mathieu Calvet and others, has been responsible for both the design and construction of the project. Using Tekla Structures as its main tool, Afry has been able to create an innovative and efficient solution that not only meets functional requirements but also creates an attractive place for visitors.
From concept to reality
Mathieu Calvet, who works as a structural engineer and administrator at Afry in the Structural Engineer East team, has been deeply involved in the Kopparvik Bridge project. Usually working on warehouses and public buildings, Mathieu says this is the first time the construction department at Afry has taken on a bridge. "It has been an interesting process to see what it means to work on a steel structure for an actual bridge," says Mathieu. Afry was given the project without any prepared design, so the work has focused a lot on finding the right design and appearance of the bridge to fit the project.
Tekla Structures and the key to success
Tekla Structures has played a central role in the project, which Mathieu describes as an indispensable tool for modeling and designing steel structures.
"Structural steel and Tekla work very well for us and that's what we use Tekla for the most," says Mathieu. With Tekla Structures, Mathieu and his colleagues have been able to test different design options and have been able to quickly adjust the steel design, which has been crucial to the success of the project. "It was the first time a 3D model was presented to Visby, which was really appreciated," Mathieu adds.
One of the biggest challenges in this project was keeping track of all the similar steel parts in the bridge. Through Tekla Structures' efficient modeling, the team was able to more easily navigate the 8-10 similar parts and ensure that each part had the right specifications and fit.
"Finding the right design was a challenge, but Tekla Structures made it easy for us to keep all the steel parts in order."
- Mathieu Calvet, Design Engineer, Afry
Effective coordination with digital tools
To ensure good coordination between all parties involved, the team also used Trimble Connect to share models and comments, and the architect used SketchUp to contribute to the project design. Mathieu notes that the export between Tekla Structures and SketchUp worked smoothly, which facilitated collaboration and made it easy to keep everyone updated on the project's progress.
Buildable models and improved logistics
Another benefit of working in Tekla Structures was the ability to create buildable models that could be shared directly with the steel bridge contractor and other stakeholders. Mathieu emphasizes how these models facilitated communication between different teams and contributed to a smoother construction process.
With Tekla as a central tool, Afry has shown that complex projects can be completed quickly and efficiently. With the Kopparvik Bridge, Mathieu Calvet and his team have created a solution that not only improves the functionality of the Visby harbor but also offers a new viewpoint for the city's visitors. It is an example of how innovative tools and strong collaboration can lead to successful and attractive construction projects.
Cooperation and communication: the key to success
Despite a tight schedule, cooperation between the various stakeholders has been excellent and communication and quick decisions have been consistent throughout the project.
The Kopparvik Bridge project has been a fast and efficient way of working, which he is looking forward to telling more about during Tekla User Day 2024, Trimble's annual user event for Tekla users. During Tekla User Day, he will present how Afry managed to realize this project using only Tekla Structures' existing functions and libraries.
"Use Tekla as it is without doing so many extra applications on the side." Mathieu concludes.
