BRIDGE

A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles without closing the way
underneath such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing
passage over the obstacle. There are many different designs that each serve a
particular purpose and apply to different situations. Designs of bridges vary
depending on the function of the bridge, the nature of the terrain where the bridge is
constructed and anchored, the material used to make it, and the funds available to
build it.
1. Fundamental Concept
At the planning stage of a particular project, it is recommended that the following
fundamental concepts be considered in the design of the bridge:
a. Bridge place integration
b. Structurally expressive forms
c. Method of construction
d. Ease of maintenance
e. Economic efficiency
Bridge Place Integration
A bridge should be built to complement and exist in harmony with its surrounding.
It should never be considered independent of its own environment. All the elements
of structure and its surrounding should be considered as an interconnected part of a
continuous design process.
A bridge engineer should work closely with a highway engineer during the initial
planning stage of a route design to determine the road alignment most appropriate to
the bridge.
The design of the bridge should then be approached by identifying and studying all
or at least most of the important aspects of a bridge place integration such as the
architectural, historical, environmental, topographical, structural, geological, social,
cultural and archaeological. This evaluation would enable the designer to select
abridge form that suits its environment. The structure can then be designed either by
blending in or dramatically contrasting with the setting.
Structurally Expressive Forms
The design objective is to achieve a clean, well-defined bridge form that is both
pleasing to the eye and yet responsive to the structural function. The form should
be shaped to support its loads in the most appealing manner so that the emphasis on
the structural efficiency shall not be at the expense of its visual appearance.
The two primary objectives, which are function and appearance, should evolve
from a design process that continuously considers the effect of each decision on
both. The approach of designing a structure in accordance with engineering
requirements and then attempting to improve the appearance by minor alterations
or ornamentation is strongly discouraged.

Method of Construction
The method of construction has an influence on the bridge form. Since bridges are
often built on difficult sites and in difficult conditions, it is necessary for the
designer to be aware of different methods of construction applicable and sometimes
he may have to invent or improvise a suitable form.
A proper method of construction should have a balance between aesthetic
consideration and other consideration such as case of construction and disturbance
to traffic flow or to the environment.
Ease of Maintenance
All bridges at some point will have some trouble to be fixed, so it require some
maintenance and repair of some sort. Designer should recognize this need and plan
to ease the future maintenance and repair operations and also need to be done
properly so as not impair the appearance of the bridge.
Maintenance considerations should include the following:
a) Repetition of details to promote ease of maintenance and to reduce costs.
b) Planters on bridge should be designed to an appropriate scale to the structure.
They should be able to sustain adequate and healthy growth and should not
cause soiling or staining to the bridge fascia.
c) Beams should be adequately spaced so as to provide access for inspection
and maintenance.
d) A continuous/girder design enables shallower depths to be achieved and
avoids numerous expansion joints. These joints are a source of maintenance
problems.
e) If permanent inspection and maintenance gantries are required, they should
considered at the design stage and not as an afterthought. This will ensure
that gantries are designed to be as neat and unobtrusive as possible.
Economic Efficiency
A sound and economic design is not a guarantee of an aesthetically presentable
structure. However, an attractive structure can be designed to be structurally sound
and cost efficient. In order to achieve this, aesthetic considerations should be
integrated early in the planning stage of a bridge design.
An attractive bridge in appearance should not necessarily cost more than a less
presentable bridge. Such a bridge is likely to have had more thoughts devoted to all
aspects of its design at the planning stage it would probably be of a more fully
integrated design and therefore could even cost less to build.
However, if there is a cost increase due to added aesthetic features, designers
should be comfortable in justifying for the increase, in the same manner as they
justify an increase due to structural, safety or maintenance reasons.
 2. Visual Concepts
Visual concepts are used to develop, describe and express visual ideas. These
concepts are:
a) Visual design elements
b) Aesthetic qualities

Visual Design Elements

Aesthetic Qualities
 Aesthetic Design Guidelines
This section addresses aesthetic considerations associated with the following
factors:
a) Bridge Integration with Environment
- Interaction between bridge and environment
- Relationship between geometry and environment
b) Primary Bridge Elements
- Superstructures
- Piers
- Abutments
c) Secondary Bridge Elements
- Bridge Accessories
- Detailing
d) Architectural Embellishments

Bridge Integration with Environment

Interaction between Bridges and Environment
Major River Crossings / Landmark Structures
A bridge designer should select a structure type that exploits the topographical
advantages. Considerations for major river crossings and landamrk structures
hsould include the following:
a) The approach road alignment to a landmark or major bridge can be slightly
curved to create an awareness to the bridge users upon approaching the
structure and to enable them to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of the
structure. Alternatively, an appropriate architectural structure can be
constructed at the bridge ends to signify the bridge entry and exit points.

b) In a broad valley, where a bridge is required to span across, the natural

terrain should be retained. The use of embankments at approaches should be
avoided. The abutments should be formed on the steepest part of the valley.
The vertical road geometry should be kept approximately level or with only a
slight curvature.
c) For a sloped-bridge or grade-separated crossing, a balanced structural system
consonant with the topography would best fit this situation. A constant girder
depth with no striking or unmotivated sections is recommended for this
purpose. A hunched girder would contrast with the landscape and dominate
it.

JALAN KUCHING-SULTAN ISMAIL INTERCHANGE,

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
A constant girder depth structure integrates well into the built-up setting.
Pedestrian Bridges
Considerations for pedestrian bridges should include the following:
a) Pedestrian bridges could be designed as slender and elegant structures due to
their light loading.
b) The superstructure should be slender and the lined flow continuously over
the supports and into the ramp or stairs sections.
c) The ramp and stairs sections should be aligned to creatively link with the
pedestrian walkway.
d) Since pedestrians use footbridges at a slow pace, more attention should be
given to details and surface texture.

Landscaping
Considerations for landscaping should include the following:
a) The natural landscaping in the area should be maintained. The same species
of trees or shrubs should be planted around the bridge. The native species of
trees, plants or shrubs should be used for landscaping around the bridge.
b) The vegetation at both ends of a bridge should be in visual balance.
c) A proper landscaping can reduce the visual mass of a large and plain wall.
d) The types of plant that can grow to obscure the essential elements of the
structural form or function should be avoided.
 Relationship between Geometry And Environment

Consideration for horizontal and vertical alignments should include the

following:

a) Horizontal alignment for a long and sloping bridge should be done with a
smooth and elegant curve.
b) Horizontal alignment should not have irregular curves as it interrupts the
flow of the structure, disturbing its order and harmony.
c) Vertical profile of a bridge should coincide with the approach road
gradient.
d) Road vertical profile should preferably have a crest at the centre of the
bridge to create an impression of efficiency and safety.
e) A vertical curve on a bridge allows users to feel the sensation of entering
and leaving the bridge
f) The vertical alignment of structures running through forestry or built-up
landscapes should be hidden. This can be done by lowering it to keep the
structures and preferably vehicles below the treetop or roofline
g) Where a vertical alignment requires a fall along a bridge, it is usually best
to have either a dramatic slope for a bold symmetry or an inconspicuous
minimal fall.

h) A sag and a hog curve on a long span bridge can lead to a particular form
of structure being visually more appropriate, e.g. a cable-stayed bridge
with a hog curve can look as if it is collapsing if it has a central mass.
Therefore, where there is scope for adjusting the vertical alignment, this
should be done in conjunction with the selection of bridge structure.