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BRIDGE AESTHETICS
Aesthetics in Bridge Design
•The conventional order of priorities in bridge design is safety, economy,
serviceability, constructability, and so on. Somewhere down this list is aesthetics.
There should be no doubt in an engineer’s mind that aesthetics needs a priority
boost, and that it can be done without infringing upon the other factors.
•The belief that improved appearance increases the cost of bridges is unfounded and
oftentimes the most aesthetically pleasing bridge is also the least expensive.
•The additional cost is about 2% for short spans and only about 5% for long spans
•It is not necessary that everyone agrees as to what makes a bridge beautiful, but it is
important that designers are aware of the qualities of a bridge that influence the
perception of beauty
Definition Aesthetics and
Beauty •Aesthetics is the study of qualities of beauty of an object and of their
perception through our senses.
•Even if this particular aesthetic air be the last quality we seen in a bridge, its
influence nonetheless exists and has an influence on our thoughts and
actions. ( Santayana )
Qualities of Aesthetic Design “ There are not HARD & FAST rules or formulas for aesthetics of
bridge design. It finally gets down to the responsibility of each
designer on each project to make personal choices that will lead to
a more beautiful structure “
•Function
•Proportion
•Harmony
•Order & Rhythm
•Contrast & Texture
•Light and shadow
Function •For a bridge design to be successful, it must always safely perform its function.
•For example, a bridge is designed that fulfills every requirements of aesthetic
consideration and other requirements such as economy, constructability etc. but is
somehow unable to perform the function for which it was designed, then however
beautiful it is, it won’t be appealing.
•The very first notion of beauty in a bridge is that it performs its function efficiently and
people using it are satisfied.
•Moreover, the IMPORTANCE of function also enhances the BEAUTY or
AESTHETICS of the BRIDGE.
•For Example: A bridge across straits of Bosporus at Istanbul. This bridge replaces a
slow ferry boat trip, but it also serves the function of connecting two continents (Asia
and Europe).
Proportion
•Good proportions are fundamental to achieving an aesthetically pleasing bridge
structure
•It is generally agreed that when a bridge is placed across a relatively shallow
valley, the most pleasing appearance occurs when there are an odd number of
spans with span lengths that decrease going up the side of the valley.
•The bridge over a deep valley again should have an odd number of spans, but
should be of equal length. And slender girders and the tall, tapered piers can add to
the aesthetic pleasure
•Another consideration is the proportion between piers and girders. From strength
viewpoint, the piers can be relatively thin compared to the girders. However, when
a bridge has a low profile, the visual impression can be improved by having
strong piers supporting slender girders.
•Slender girders can be achieved if the superstructure is made continuous. Infact,
the superstructure continuity is the most important aesthetic consideration
•The proportions of a bridge change when viewed from an oblique angle.
Proportion
Harmony •Harmony means getting along well with others. The parts of the structure must be in
agreement with each other and the whole structure must be in agreement with its
surroundings.
Harmony between the elements of a bridge:
•It depends on the proportions between the span lengths and depth of girders, height
and size of piers, and negative spaces and solid masses.
Harmony between the whole structure and its surroundings
•The scale and size of a bridge structure should be relative to its environment.
•For Example, a long bridge crossing a wide valley can be large because the
landscape is large. But when a bridge is placed in an urban setting, the size must be
reduced.
Order and Rhythm
•Repeating similar spans too many times can become boring and monotonous
•It can also become aggravating to be driving down the interstate and seeing the
same standard over crossing mile after mile. The first one or two look just fine,
but after a while a feeling of frustration takes over the pleasing affect of however
the beautiful the construction.
•There is a place for contrast, as well as harmony in bridge aesthetics.
•All bridges do not have to blend in with their surroundings. “ when a bridge is
built in the middle of the country, it should blend in with the country side, but
very often, because of its proportions and dynamism, the bridge stands out
and dominates the landscape”
•The dominance seems to be specially true in case of Cable-stayed and
suspension bridges.
•There can also be contrast between the elements of a bridge to emphasize
the slenderness of the girders and the strength of the piers and abutments.
Contrast and Texture
•Texture can also be used to soften the hard appearance of concrete and
make certain elements less dominant.
•Large bridges seen from a distance must develop contrast through their form
and mass, but bridges with smaller spans seen up close can effectively use
texture.
Contrast and Texture
Light and Shadow
•Designer must be aware of how the shadows occur on the structure throughout
the day
•If the bridge is running north and south the shadows will be quite different than
if it is running east to west.
•For Example: When sunlight is parallel to the face of a girder or wall, small
imperfections in workmanship can cast deep shadows. Construction joints in
concrete may appear to be discontinuous and hidden welded stiffeners may no
longer be hidden.
•One of the most effective ways to make a bridge girder appear slender is to put
it partially or completely in shadow.
•Creating shadow becomes especially important with the use of solid
concrete safety barriers that make the girders look deeper than they
actually are.
•Shadows can be accomplished by cantilevering the deck beyond the
exterior girder.
•The effect of shadow on a box girder is further improved by sloping the
side of the girder inward.
Light and Shadow
BOX GIRDER
Clark Bridge in Alton, IL
Dames Port Florida
Dames Port Florida
Moveable Bridge
BRIDGE ARCHITECTURE BY R.S.RAKSHIT