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ABSTRACT
The design of a bridge results from an iterative approach, the objective of which is the technical and economic optimization of the work in compliance with all the natural and functional imposed constraints. A certain number of sustainability, architectural or landscape quality requirements are integrated together with technological advances in terms of materials, calculation means as well as construction and creation methods. Generally the design approach of a bridge includes three stages; the gathering of functional and natural data, the choice of a structure meeting the requirements and the detailed study of the adopted solution. The role of the engineer is to make the most of materials and limit the possible hazards during the construction.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Jean-Armand CALGARO: Engineer General of Ponts et Chaussées - Professor at the Centre des hautes études de la construction - Permanent member of the French General Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CGEDD)
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Anne BERNARD-GELY: Ponts et Chaussées chief engineer
INTRODUCTION
Bridge design is constantly evolving thanks to :
the use of materials whose performance is rigorously controlled and constantly improved;
the development of fast, precise construction methods;
to the creation of original forms that provide new solutions to the problems posed by the overcoming of obstacles whose dimensions are sometimes close to disproportionate;
the computational resources needed to build highly sophisticated behavior models.
The process of designing a particular bridge requires the engineer to have a vast technical knowledge, enabling him to identify the most economical solutions, making the most of the properties of the materials at his disposal, minimizing possible hazards during execution, and integrating a strong aesthetic concern.
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Bridge design
Definitions and bridge categories
Bibliography
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Websites
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AFGC (French Civil Engineering Association)
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AFNOR (French Standards Association)
http://www.afnor.org/datacons/normalisation_actualite/eurocodes/eurocode1.html
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Standards and norms
Bridge design and dimensioning are governed by French standards transposing European standards (Eurocodes), and may be supplemented by national standards. In seismic zones, the requirements of current national regulations must be taken into account.
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