STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF THE PONT DU GARD

The structural engineers of classical Rome are reputed to have been careful and methodical, but also uninspired, tradition-bound and overly conservative. Yet the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct bridge in southern France, was boldly conceived and designed. The structure is described and several of its structural features are examined in the light of insights presumably gained only during the last few of the 20 centuries since its construction. It is concluded that the design is far from being supersafe or wasteful, and that the bridge is reasonably stressed and amazingly efficient. The findings suggest, in fact, that the designer understood structural behavior uncommonly well. (Author abstract)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339445
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • HAUCK, GFW
• Publication Date: 1986-1

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 105-120
• Serial:
  • Journal of Structural Engineering
  • Volume: 112
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9445
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/loi/jsendh

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aqueducts; Arch bridges; Bridge design; Bridges; Historic bridges; Historic sites; Safety factors; Structural analysis; Structural design; Structures
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; History; Safety and Human Factors; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00458993
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Information, Incorporated
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 1987 12:00AM