THE FOUNDATION OF GREAT STEEL BRIDGE DESIGNS

This article briefly presents some general ideas and thoughts regarding the need for better overall integration of superstructure and substructure to arrive at more efficient and more competitive steel bridge systems. The need to develop the form of the superstructure and substructure in concert to most efficiently satisfy the structural and aesthetic demands is discussed, along with the concepts of span optimization and integral abutments. Steel is an inherently vesatile material, and it can be adapted to most any substructure and span arrangement. However, its efficiency often suffers when designed to conform to foundations developed for other materials. The foundation of a good steel bridge design lies in a holistic approach that encompasses the site demands, aesthetics, and economics. Substructures are a major factor in all three aspects of this triad. A truly great steel bridge design is, therefore, one that needs no compromise in providing a sound foundation to adequately satisfy this triad.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00268445
• Corporate Authors:

  American Institute of Steel Construction

  One East Wacker Drive, Suite 3100
  Chicago, IL  United States  60601-2001
• Authors:
  • Grubb, M A
  • Hall, D H
• Publication Date: 1998-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 30-34
• Serial:
  • Modern Steel Construction
  • Volume: 38
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Institute of Steel Construction
  • ISSN: 0026-8445

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Bridge abutments; Bridge engineering; Bridge foundations; Bridge substructures; Bridge superstructures; Design engineering; Economics; Steel structures
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Economics; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00747799
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 3 1998 12:00AM