ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND BRIDGE DESIGN

This article considers the interaction between architects and engineers in bridge design, which may or may not be positive. There are quite divergent opinions about whether and how far architects should be involved in bridge design although some engineers claim that they have enough knowledge and skill to do this task alone. In contrast, the leading role in bridge design competitions has sometimes been assigned to architects. Some collaborations between engineers and architects on bridge design have been good, some have ambiguous value, and some are even repulsive. The statement that the beauty of bridge structures depends primarily on their static and structural logic is certainly true for long-span bridges, such as suspension, cable-stayed, or arch bridges. In these cases, the main load-carrying system dominates appearances, and even laymen can easily understand and appreciate it. The four cable-stayed bridges across the River Rhine at Dusseldorf, Germany, provide examples. The extent of involvement of architects in bridge design varies considerably, according to their proficiency in bridge design and the specific aspects of the project. Several examples of the influence of architects on bridge design are illustrated.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10168664
• Corporate Authors:

  International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering

  ETH-Honggerberg, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 15
  Zurich 8093,   Switzerland  CH-8093
• Authors:
  • WALTHER, R
• Publication Date: 1996-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 77-9
• Serial:
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering
  • ISSN: 1016-8664

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Arch bridges; Bridges; Cable stayed bridges; Design; Personnel; Suspension bridges; Urban areas
• Geographic Terms: Germany
• ITRD Terms: 9107: Aesthetics; 3427: Arch bridge; 3455: Bridge; 9011: Design (overall design); 8125: Germany; 102: Personnel; 3417: Stayed girder bridge; 3476: Suspension bridge; 313: Urban area
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00726595
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Oct 28 1996 12:00AM