Bridge Design

Abstract

This course presents the fundamentals of bridge design. It covers the entire range from conceptual design to construction, encompassing all relevant building materials. The focus lies on the structural behaviour of today’s most important bridge typologies and their suitability for certain boundary conditions, the dimensioning of the main structural elements as well as construction methods.

Objective

After successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: - Define the main bridge design parameters and identify constraints and boundary conditions - Explain the structural behaviour and peculiarities of today’s most important bridge typologies - Explain the main elements of bridges and their structural behaviour - Define the relevant actions on bridges - Dimension a standard bridge (pre-dimensioning by hand; dimensioning using computer-aided tools) - Explain the most relevant bridge construction and erection methods - Select an appropriate typology and conceive a convincing bridge for a site with its specific boundary conditions - Name the most eminent bridge designers and their relevant works

Content

The course is built up as follows: 1. Introduction 2. Conceptual design 3. Superstructure / Girder bridges 4. Support and articulation 5. Substructure 6. Arch bridges 7. Frame bridges 8. Special girder bridges 9. Cable-supported bridges The course is complemented by - Guest lectures by leading bridge designers active in industry - Inverted classroom exercises on conceptual bridge design - Slides on eminent bridge designers and their works - Exercises (homework)

Resources