Picture courtesy of Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore

Major urban development is underway in Singapore’s Marina Bay area. An Integrated Resort is going up on one side of the Bay comprising a business and financial center, high-end apartments and waterfront gardens. The opposite side of the Bay will see a giant observation wheel named Singapore Flyer. In addition, a landmark pedestrian bridge, part of a larger bridge development project, is under construction to span the Bay and link key destinations. It will provide the first pedestrian access around Marina Bay.

Marina Bay Pedestrian Bridge, 280 meters long and 6 meters wide, is unique in many ways and will be an attraction in itself. It will be composed of two spiraling tubular stainless steel members, resembling the structure of DNA. This unique stainless double-helix structure takes bridge architecture and engineering to entirely new directions. According to the designers, the DNA-like structure symbolizes “life and continuity, renewal and growth” and, as such, it underscores Singapore’s international image and goals for Marina Bay. The bridge will also allow for spectacular views of the city skyline, both from the deck and five viewing platforms. The inner spiral of the double helix will be used to support fritted-glass and stainless-steel mesh canopies to provide shading to pedestrians. The stainless steel surfaces will provide spectacular nighttime illumination in the way they reflect a series of lights programmed to enhance the design.

The bridge engineers selected Duplex 2205 (EN 1.4462) as the appropriate stainless grade for the double-helix and support structures. Duplex 2205 brings many advantages: in the hot and humid, maritime climate of Singapore, this highly corrosion resistant grade ensures low maintenance costs and continued good appearance during a service life of at least 100 years. The high strength of Duplex 2205 also enables the development of a cost-efficient design.

The Duplex contract for Marina Bay Pedestrian Bridge was awarded to Outokumpu and includes both pipes for the double helix and tailor-made plates for structural sections. The total supply is 570 tons.

This Duplex contract follows a series of demanding bridge projects worldwide for which Outokumpu has supplied Duplex stainless products in several different grades. To each bridge project Outokumpu brings world-leading skills and knowledge in Duplex stainless steels, as well as proven capabilities to provide builders and fabricators with customized products and service packages. Outokumpu helps bridge designers and engineers to realize one cutting-edge idea after another.

Picture courtesy of Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore