Bridges
Structures: Bridges
Bridges are structures that provide connection over obstructions such as roads, rivers, and the distance between buildings. Properly designed and well-maintained bridges can last for 100 years or longer. Besides traffic and pedestrian bridges, the driveway over an underground parking garage and 'catwalks' around a multi-storey atrium would be other examples of bridge structures we have designed at Jablonsky. Our process for bridge design always begins with determining our client's preferred structural material, location, and budget, which becomes the basis of our design.
Bridges
Material
The material used to build a bridge has a significant impact on the time and cost associated with construction: a steel bridge truss or precast concrete structure can be assembled on site and lifted into place in a single day, while cast-in-place concrete structures require several days to set. We guide our clients through this process to select a structural system that's right for their project.
Bridges
Loading Considerations
Our bridge designs need to account for all expected loads on the structure, which goes beyond the people who will use the bridge. Wind, seismic, or thermal forces may cause imperceptible movements on the bridge structure or the buildings, and we ensure that these movements are predictable and do not disturb the occupants or finishes.
We also consider non-structural elements, such as anchors for window washing, location of electrical services, and the client's preferred material for the façade. As structural engineers, we do not design these elements, however, we are obligated to design a structure that can support them.
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