CPAC Ultracrete Bridge project initiated with the concept of improving the layout of SCG Headquarters, in order to increase pedestrian circulation between Bang-Sue Central Station and SCG Headquarters, with a monument erected to commemorate King Rama VI, founder of SCG, as the centerpiece before distributing pathways to the center of office buildings.

The architectural design concept of the bridge captured the context and history of SCG itself as a design element. In this regard, the main purpose of the bridge was to become a composition of the monument. With respect to the monument and founder, the bridge was designed to not obstruct as well as redirect attention from the monument.

As Thailand’s first cement manufacturer, SCG has become familiarized with concrete innovation for the past 100 years, this has led the company to decide on using its new concrete innovation “CPAC Ultracrete” as the main structure component of the bridge.

Buildings surrounding SCG Headquarters, as well as Bang-Sue Central Station, consisted of curves and horizontally aligned patterns as architectural elements. In order to blend with the surroundings, the bridge was designed with similar elements of fine curved lines whilst showing CPAC Ultracertes potential.

The bridge is located at the heart of SCG, a site packed with pedestrians, employees and a full ecosystem pond. Minimizing the impact caused on the ecosystem before and after construction was a challenge. For that reason, precast technology was incorporated into the design process to reduce the impact caused during construction. Meanwhile, no foundation was required across any part of the pond as the precast structure spanned for more than 30 meters across the pond itself.

Amidst extremely sensitive soil, which can support minimal lateral load, an arch-shaped bridge with a small bend radius will lead to a substantial amount of piles and a massive foundation to structurally support, in turn, increasing the overall budget of the project. To solve this, the design team decided to split the bridge span in half and cantilever both halves, each 15-meters in length, using the foundation as counter-weight to reach structural equilibrium, balancing itself while preventing any soil deformation.

CPAC Ultracretes special characteristics reduces the cross-sectional dimension of concrete compared to common concrete, making the beam 30cm deep and the floor only 25mm thick. However, the structure could support weight up to as much as 500 kg/m3, reducing the amount of concrete and steel by 40% and 60% respectively, compared to the conventional process. Thus, reducing materials used, site waste, CO2 emissions and natural resources that could affect the environment.

BIM was implemented during the design process, including, architectural, structural, MEP designs and clash detection. This led to a decrease in design conflicts, rework, material usage and construction time. BIM also played an important role in simulating precast installation plans before actual installation, improving the understanding of each team member on the project to come to an agreement as to what has to be done and how these sequences should align, hence reducing the construction period and the total amount of individuals entering the site during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CPAC Ultracrete Bridge has relied upon various technologies and innovations in work and design processes to propel itself into one of the most fascinating infrastructures in greater Bangkok, whilst relying on fewer resources, encouraging sustainability and promoting a better future.