RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN BRIDGE DESIGN IN JAPAN

This paper outlines some of the reasons behind the development of Japan's high performance in bridge design and construction, and emphasises current trends and projects which illustrate the current state of Japan's bridge-building industry. In preindustrial times, many bridges of aesthetic value and fine craftsmanship were built in Japan. Then rather heavy-looking unspectacular bridges were designed and built, using imported construction techniques. During recent years, Japan has been producing bridges of artistic merit, with technology refined or developed indigenously. Two factors have been especially important for Japanese bridge development: (1) the almost limitless potential for bridge building provided by Japan's natural geography; and (2) Japan's outstanding qualities of human endeavour and enterprise. Most developments in design have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary. However, some more recently completed bridges have interesting features, largely due to increased emphasis on: (1) aesthetics; (2) attention to details; (3) construction aspects; and (4) new seismic techniques. Innovative bridges include two unusual curved cable-stay bridges and the world's first 'extradosed' cable-stay bridge. Prospects for the future of Japanese bridges are discussed briefly, and seem good.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/14665123
• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Structural Engineers

  11 Upper Belgrave Street
  London,   United Kingdom  SW1X 8BH
• Authors:
  • LENCZNER, M M
• Publication Date: 1995-12-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 405-10
• Serial:
  • Structural Engineer
  • Volume: 73
  • Issue Number: 23/24
  • Publisher: Institution of Structural Engineers
  • ISSN: 1466-5123

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Bridges; Cables; Construction; Curved bridges; Design; History; Industries; Quality control; Seismicity; Technology
• Uncontrolled Terms: Quality
• Geographic Terms: Japan
• ITRD Terms: 9107: Aesthetics; 3455: Bridge; 4530: Cable; 3655: Construction; 3438: Curved bridge; 9011: Design (overall design); 9096: History; 332: Industry; 8053: Japan; 9063: Quality; 5731: Seismic; 3855: Technology
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; History;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00720805
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: May 24 1996 12:00AM