economy and elegance requires creativity and fantasy, and engineers should avoid multiplied repetitive structures and illogical shapes [6-7]. Creativity in good design is essential, but “excessive originality” should only be found in justified exceptions. A bridge does not need to be expensive or extravagant – the simplest bridge with sincere structure is often the best [11]. The elegance of bridge structures as discussed in this article can be obtained following a few basic rules, using simple forms and proportions in compliance with the static of structures. The right balance between the leading role of engineers and an important contribution of architects and builders is essential for creating a successful bridge project.
8.
Acknowledgements
This paper was originally published in the October 2016 issue of Structure Magazine (pp.8-11), a publication of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA), USA. It is reprinted with the permission from both Structure Magazine and NCSEA.
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