“We are proud to be involved in the construction of this emblematic structure,” comments Antoine Gremaud, Head of Steel Structure Department at Sottas SA, “This project demonstrates that low-carbon steels are perfectly suited to the construction of steel engineering structures. It also illustrates our determination to combine innovation with environmental care, while meeting high technical requirements.”

The structure has been built by SOTTAS at their factory at Bulle, in four separate welded sections with a total weight of 150 tonnes. It was lifted into place in one piece with a high-capacity 750 tonne crawler crane. The full completion of the footbridge is scheduled for March 2025. SOTTAS has worked with ArcelorMittal and its precursor companies for over 40 years, but on this project requested a low carbon steel specification for the first time. ArcelorMittal's Steligence^® team of experts initially discussed the precise requirements for the project, and quickly established that the XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced heavy plate offering was the only option in the market that achieved the demanding requirements to provide an accompanying Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), demonstrating the environmental impact of the steel supplied.

The XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced heavy plate used is a S355 grade steel, which is medium tensile, low carbon manganese composition, readily weldable and possesses good resistance to low temperatures. It has a low carbon footprint of 914kg CO_2e per tonne of steel, compared to 2600kg for conventional heavy plate, achieved through its electric arc furnace production and use of renewable electricity.

“We’re delighted to be working with SOTTAS on this iconic project for the municipality of Yverdon-les-Bains” commented Frederic Marechal, Account Manager, ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products. “Our XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced offering has been the ideal solution for the end-customer, delivering the low carbon characteristics that they were demanding in the tender, with a 65% lower carbon footprint than conventional alternatives.”

SOTTAS has a strong commitment to sustainability, and leaving a positive impact through its business, offering local, “Swiss Made” solutions, using sustainable materials, reducing its own carbon emissions and investing in renewable energies. This matches ArcelorMittal’s sustainability and climate-related commitments, illustrated well by its ongoing development of the XCarb^® product portfolio and strategy. SOTTAS is anticipating that the Cigarières project will lead to an increasing number of commissions for low carbon steel projects from its customers, as the regulatory and commercial environment moves towards a greater focus on climate-friendly solutions. Its assembly of the four sections of the bridge has been undertaken entirely with green electricity from its own solar panel array at Bulle.