3/7/2018 Aesthetic Guidelines for Bridge Structures

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Aesthetic Guidelines for Bridge Structures

If bridge structure has aesthetically pleasant appearance, it will contribute the improvement of city and landscape
appearances. However, there are cases in which bridge structures deteriorates landscape due to its ugly
appearances.

That is why this article will shed light on the aesthetic guidelines for bridge structures.

Aesthetic Guidelines for Bridge Structures

Clear structural system

Good proportions

Good order

Integration into environment

Choice of material

Coloring

Space above the bridge

Recognizable flow of force

Simplicity

Lighting

Clear Structural System

It is necessary to make sure that the load bearing elements of bridge structure are reduced to as minimum as
possible. In this way, not only does it look stable but also reliable. Neither the utilization of various statical
elements would offer good appearance nor statically correct system look satisfactory pleasing.

To sum up, load bearing system of the bridge should be simple and convincing at the same time.

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Fig.1: Svinesund Bridge in Norway Elegant and Simple

Fig.2: Third Caroni River Bridge in Venezuela looks simple and reliable

Good Proportions

One of the elements of bridge structure that play significant role in its aesthetic is the presence of balance ratio
between structural members. For example, create a balanced ratio between shadow and light area, length and
height of the bridge.

Fig.3: Kocher Valley Bridge, Germany, the span of the bridge is 130 and the height of piers is 180 m,
this made the bridge to fit the valley properly and have a parabola shape in transverse direction which
makes the bridge aesthetically pleasing

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Good Order

The edges and lines of the bridge, which create appearance of the structure, should be in a satisfactory order. This
may be obtained by declining number and direction of structural elements. Added to that, repetition of structural
members may provide good order. Nonetheless, tedious repetition and routine should be prevented.

Fig.4: Railway Bridge across River at Nantenbach in Germany, even though the depth of the girder has
changed but slope of diagonals is almost the same which improve bridge aesthetics. Cross members
have been omitted to reduce structural members and directions as well

Integration into Environment

The bridge can be integrated into the surrounding area by proper selection of materials used in the construction
and the scale of the structure. This measure will make the bridge to harmonically integrate into the environment.

Fig.5: Materials used in bridge construction are like the surrounding building and the color bridge
railing is like surrounding area as well

Choice of Material

Suitable materials shall be selected in terms load bearing capacity and appearances. For example, concrete should
be used in strut construction whereas steel employed in tie construction.

Forms can be used to provide texture for large area of concrete but small areas are recommended to leave it
smooth. It is possible to apply natural stones for lining large areas of abutments and piers.

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Fig.6: Massively elegant bridge construction from natural stone, Japan

Coloring

Color plays crucial role in the provision of visually pleasing appearances of bridge structure.

There are cases in which bridge structure either constructed from steel or concrete need to be colored to be
integrated into its surrounding area and have attractive appearances.

Fig.7: Dark green for the piers and light green for the deck have chosen to make the bridge like the
surrounding trees

Space Above the Bridge

The space above the bridge should give travelers a good and comfortable feeling. It might be nice idea to show
the start and the end of the bridge if there is no other structural element extended above the bridge.

Historically, bridges were improved in terms of aesthetics by placing statues on bridges.

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Fig.8: Cables creates a shape like tent which might give travelers feeling of safety

Recognizable Flow of Force

Ordinary observers should be able to see the flow of forces and satisfied that it is acceptable otherwise observers
may feel uncomfortable.

Fig.9: Load transfer can easily be observed

Simplicity

Simplicity is the most important factor when it comes to the bridge structure without items used for aesthetic
improvement. The structural shape should provide aesthetically appealing view.

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Fig.10: Simple bridge shape but aesthetically pleasing view

Bridge Lighting

It could improve the aesthetic appearance of the bridge structure at night. Modern technology has improved
lighting of bridge and provides a better aesthetic view.

Fig.11: Considerably appealing bridge lighting

©2017 The Constructor

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