The document discusses sustainable bridge design. It explores using materials like concrete, steel, aluminum and fiber reinforced polymer that are durable and can decrease environmental impact. Different bridge types are compared in terms of their environmental impact. Design considerations for sustainable bridges include using materials with low embodied energy, increasing durability to extend lifespan, and facilitating easy deconstruction and reuse of materials. Future concepts discussed include bridges that harvest solar and wind energy. The document reflects on the need for more innovative and sustainable bridge design to improve infrastructure for the future.
2. Why sustainable bridges?
Sustainablebridge design is
important looking into the future!
Decreasing carbon footprint
Increasing lifetime and use of important
civil infrastructure
We chose this topic because:
Annie wants to build bridges and…
Leslie wants to make infrastructure
sustainable!
3. Materials Selection
Concrete: Durable, cheap, abundant, pre-cast
Green-Star certified concrete mix plants, high
performance or environmentally friendly concrete
Steel
Can be recycled steel material, reusable
Aluminum
Resistant to corrosion=longer life
Lighter=able to bear larger loads
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)
Highly resistant to corrosion
Increased strength to weight ratio
4. Bridge Type Comparison
Environmental Concrete (in
Impact Bridge Type Steel (in KWh/ft^2) KWh/ft^2)
Low viaduct 460 416
girder 798 610
arch 1287 886
cable stay 1041 558
Average viaduct 607 558
girder 1016 791
arch 1599 1269
cable stay 1308 1134
High viaduct 796 731
girder 1274 1010
arch 1274 1574
cable stay 1954 1416
5. Design & Construction
Low energy input-depends on
low environmental impact
Increased durability
Longer lifespan, less waste,
labor/maintenance, more cost
efficient
Simplified deconstruction
Aids in ability to be repurposed
7. Facilitating Sustainable Bridges
Service life extension
Investigate and develop new specs
Better management, strengthening and
repairing systems
Review past/current projects
focusing on more sustainable
design
Need to focus more on end phase
Repairing and rehabilitating
14. Reflection
Leslie:New innovative bridges can
improve functionality and decrease the
environmental impact.
Annie: I believe we can easily learn from
failed or existing infrastructure in order to
design for the future.
Our question doesn’t affect us as female
engineers, but everyone should be
designing for a sustainable future,
including lots of women!
15.
References
1. http://macrete.com/downloadResource?id=81
2. http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/21117/
3. http://inhabitat.com/top-5-most-innovative-green-bridges-on-the-planet/
4. ftp://ftp.wsdot.wa.gov/public/Bridge/WBES2009/B/2B2/2B2.pdf
5.
http://wpage.unina.it/cosenza/paper/FRP%20Composites%20for%20Constru
ction.pdf
6. http://www.sustainablebridges.net/
7. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/97spring/high.cfm
8. Ruiz-Teran, Ana M, and Angel C Aparicio. "Developments In Under-Deck
And Combined Cable-Stayed Bridges." Bridge Engineering 163.2 (2010): 67-
78. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 May 2012
9. Jim Kirkpatrick, et al. "Sustainable Bridge Construction Through Innovative
Advances." Bridge Engineering 161.4 (2008): 183-188. Academic Search
Premier. Web. 2 May 2012.
10. Martin, A. J. "Concrete Bridges In Sustainable Development." Engineering
Sustainability 157.4 (2004): 219-230. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 May
2012.
Viaduct-like roman aqueducts, more than 1 arch; girder-like flat highway bridge; arch-one big arch; cable stay-like suspension
Point 2: Lower energy input, increased durability, and simplified deconstruction
84 solar panels power LED lights, connected to grid: can give or take energy to/from grid
Pedestrian bridge that doesn’t disturbe Singapore forest
photovoltaic-sheathed skyscrapers, a wind turbine-studded skybridge, sea water heating and cooling systems, and radiant floor heating
Walkway above forest canopy and wildlife!
hydroponic vertical farm, public organic food markets, photovoltaic sheathing, a vertical wind turbine, rainwater collection and greywater treatment and recycling