Form and Function
Research/Concepts ~ Analog of movement ~Plan/Elevations ~ 3 x 3 ~ Animations~Philosophy
Arch Bridges - Arch bridges are characterized by their stability. In an arch, the force of the load is carried outward from the top to the ends of the arch, where abutments keep the arch ends from spreading apart. Arch bridges have been constructed of stone, brick, timber, cast iron, steel, and reinforced concrete.
Truss Bridges - Truss bridges utilize strong, rigid frameworks that support these bridges over a span. Trusses are created by fastening beams together in a triangular configuration. The truss framework distributes the load of the bridge so that each beam shares a portion of the load. Beam, cantilever, and arch bridges may be constructed of trusses. Truss bridges can carry heavy loads and are relatively lightweight. They are also inexpensive to build.
Suspension Bridges - consist of two large, or main, cables that are hung (suspended) from towers. The main cables of a suspension bridge drape over two towers, with the cable ends buried in enormous concrete blocks known as anchorages. The roadway is suspended from smaller vertical cables that hang down from the main cables. In some cases, diagonal cables run from the towers to the roadway and add rigidity to the structure. The main cables support the weight of the bridge and transfer the load to the anchorages and the towers.
Inspiration:
The lupu bridge in Shanghai, Japan is the longest arch bridge in the world. It spans 12,870 feet and the archs are 1,815 feet long. The birdge itself isnt what inspired me to create my design. It was during the construction of the Lupu Bridge that made me decide to incorporate both a arch bridge with a cable stay system.
.