Automated Design – Westfield Crossing

Overview

The Westfield Crossing forms the focal point of the A9-A904 Improvement Scheme, which will improve the road and sustainable travel network between Falkirk and the M9 and eastwards to Grangemouth.
 
Situated over the Westfield Roundabout, which will be upgraded as part of the scheme, the proposed £14m steel cable-stayed pedestrian and cycle crossing has a centre span of 80m and four separate 40m backspans to provide access from the four corners of the junction; these include the Falkirk FC stadium, Helix Park (home of the Kelpies), a new college campus and new development plots.
 
The unique plan layout, coupled with centrally-located cable connections to the deck, has provided some unusual design considerations particularly around deck articulation and cable positioning. Once constructed, along with the large circular approach cycle ramps at each access point, the crossing will form a striking landmark to sit within Falkirk’s expanding catalogue of innovative structures. The development of the design made use of innovative parametric modelling and automation techniques in the creation of complex geometries for FE analysis, post-analysis data processing, and visualisations and drawing production.