Unbreakable bridges (USA)
A new bridge design replaces reinforced concrete columns and bars with steel tubes filled with concrete. The steel and concrete bind, creating strong columns. For the bridge pier's footing, additional structural shapes are embedded in concrete to resist the large bending forces developing at the base of the piers. New or retrofitted bridges over highways and water could withstand fire, hurricanes and flooding. This new design is based on the idea that the best way to avoid a disaster in the first place is to have infrastructure that will not fail in a disaster. Bridges are typically held up by reinforced concrete columns and bars. In Bruneau's new design, steel tubes are filled with concrete. The steel and concrete bind, creating strong yet supple columns. In field tests, a massive blast causes the supports to bend, but not break. It is important to be covered against all hazards, and that is essentially the main change in philosophy that this new design is attempting to deliver. These multi-hazard-resistant bridges are intended for use over highways and water and can withstand fire, hurricanes and flooding. The new piers would be used for new bridges, but Bruneau says existing bridges could also be retrofitted with the new design. For more information, contact: Michel Bruneau Director Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research University at Buffalo State University of New York Red Jacket Quadrangle Buffalo, New York 14261 USA Phone: (716) 645-3391 Fax: (716) 645-3399 E-mail: bruneau@buffalo.edu
Sector: Disaster Management and Mitigation
Country: India
Area of Application: Road construction, Transportation
Keywords: Unbreakable bridges
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Development Status: Design
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Transfer Terms: Consultancy
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Contact Person: UN-ESCAP/APCTT
Address: C-2 Qutab Institutional Area
City: New Delhi
Country: India
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