J.E.P. Smits
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1
The Art of Bridge Design
Identifying a design approach for well-integrated, integrally-designed and socially-valued bridges
It is hard to imagine a world without bridges. Bridges lie at the heart of our civilization bringing growth and prosperity to our society. It is by virtue of bridges that communities are able to physically connect to new people and to new places that were previously disconnected. However, bridges are more than mere functional assets. A well-designed bridge reflects mankind’s creativity and ingenuity. The way that our bridges are commissioned, designed and procured is rapidly changing. Nowadays, a large number of experts from many different disciplines work on the design during different phases of the project. The segregation of knowledge into discipline-specific fields, and the fragmented approach to bridge procurement, have resulted in a general lack of cohesion in bridge design. The objective of this research is to identify a design approach, through all scales of the design, that leads to bridges that are well-integrated, that are integrally-designed and that are valued by society.
The methodology of this research is the reviewing of numerous projects from my own bridge design practice. By identifying design considerations on four levels, namely the level of the landscape, on the level of the bridge, on the level of the detail and on the level of the material, this research demonstrates how an overall approach to well-integrated, integrally designed and valued bridges can be achieved by addressing each of these scales of the design.
If the mutations in the field of bridge design that have occurred over the past 150 years have taught us one thing, it is that the field of bridge design has become far too complex to be embodied by one person, whether it be an engineer or an architect. The role that the master builder played up until the late renaissance, bringing together aesthetic design and building craft into one person, is nowadays fulfilled by a team of specialists. You could say that the integrated design team is the contemporary version of the renaissance master builder. The basis of the ideal team naturally consists of a lead architect and a chief engineer. Within this team, the architect should be the design integrator; he or she has the task of securing the equilibrium between Beauty, Utility and Solidity throughout every phase of the design process. This balancing act takes place at all scale levels and through all phases of the design.
Een wereld zonder bruggen is moeilijk voor te stellen. Bruggen vormen het hart van onze beschaving en brengen ons groei en welvaart. Bruggen verbinden mensen en plaatsen die voorheen niet meer met elkaar verbonden waren. Echter, bruggen zijn meer dan alleen functionele assets. Een goed ontworpen brug weerspiegelt de creativiteit en vindingrijkheid van de mensheid.
De manier waarop onze bruggen worden gepland, ontworpen en aanbesteed, verandert snel. Tegenwoordig werkt een keur aan specialisten uit verschillende disciplines tijdens verschillende fasen van het project aan het ontwerp. De segregatie van kennis in discipline-specifieke vakgebieden en de gefragmenteerde aanpak van aanbestedingen hebben geleid tot een algemeen gebrek aan samenhang in het brugontwerp. De doelstelling van dit onderzoek is het identificeren van een ontwerpbenadering, door alle schaalniveaus van het ontwerp, die leidt tot bruggen die goed geïntegreerd zijn, die integraal zijn ontworpen en die gewaardeerd worden door de samenleving.
De methodologie van dit onderzoek bestaat uit een toetsing van talrijke projecten uit mijn eigen brugontwerppraktijk. Door ontwerpoverwegingen te identificeren op vier niveaus, namelijk het niveau van het landschap, op het niveau van de brug, op het niveau van het detail en op het niveau van het materiaal, laat dit onderzoek zien hoe een algemene benadering van goed geïntegreerde, integraal ontworpen en gewaardeerde bruggen kan worden bereikt door elk van deze schalen van het ontwerp aan te pakken.
Als de mutaties die zich de afgelopen 150 jaar op het gebied van brugontwerp hebben voorgedaan ons één ding hebben geleerd, dan is het wel dat het veld van brugontwerp veel te complex is geworden om door één persoon te worden belichaamd, of het nu een ingenieur of een architect is. De rol die de bouwmeester tot in de late renaissance heeft gespeeld, waarbij esthetisch ontwerp en bouwtechniek in één persoon werden samengebracht, wordt tegenwoordig vervuld door een team van specialisten. Je zou kunnen stellen dat het geïntegreerde ontwerpteam de hedendaagse versie van de bouwmeester uit de renaissance is. De basis van het ideale team bestaat logischerwijs uit een hoofdarchitect en een hoofdingenieur. In dit team moet de architect de ontwerp-integrator zijn; hij of zij heeft de taak om het evenwicht tussen Schoonheid, Nut en Robuustheid in elke fase van het ontwerpproces te borgen. Deze evenwichtsoefening vindt plaats op alle schaalniveaus en in alle fasen van het ontwerp.
...
It is hard to imagine a world without bridges. Bridges lie at the heart of our civilization bringing growth and prosperity to our society. It is by virtue of bridges that communities are able to physically connect to new people and to new places that were previously disconnected. However, bridges are more than mere functional assets. A well-designed bridge reflects mankind’s creativity and ingenuity. The way that our bridges are commissioned, designed and procured is rapidly changing. Nowadays, a large number of experts from many different disciplines work on the design during different phases of the project. The segregation of knowledge into discipline-specific fields, and the fragmented approach to bridge procurement, have resulted in a general lack of cohesion in bridge design. The objective of this research is to identify a design approach, through all scales of the design, that leads to bridges that are well-integrated, that are integrally-designed and that are valued by society.
The methodology of this research is the reviewing of numerous projects from my own bridge design practice. By identifying design considerations on four levels, namely the level of the landscape, on the level of the bridge, on the level of the detail and on the level of the material, this research demonstrates how an overall approach to well-integrated, integrally designed and valued bridges can be achieved by addressing each of these scales of the design.
If the mutations in the field of bridge design that have occurred over the past 150 years have taught us one thing, it is that the field of bridge design has become far too complex to be embodied by one person, whether it be an engineer or an architect. The role that the master builder played up until the late renaissance, bringing together aesthetic design and building craft into one person, is nowadays fulfilled by a team of specialists. You could say that the integrated design team is the contemporary version of the renaissance master builder. The basis of the ideal team naturally consists of a lead architect and a chief engineer. Within this team, the architect should be the design integrator; he or she has the task of securing the equilibrium between Beauty, Utility and Solidity throughout every phase of the design process. This balancing act takes place at all scale levels and through all phases of the design.
Een wereld zonder bruggen is moeilijk voor te stellen. Bruggen vormen het hart van onze beschaving en brengen ons groei en welvaart. Bruggen verbinden mensen en plaatsen die voorheen niet meer met elkaar verbonden waren. Echter, bruggen zijn meer dan alleen functionele assets. Een goed ontworpen brug weerspiegelt de creativiteit en vindingrijkheid van de mensheid.
De manier waarop onze bruggen worden gepland, ontworpen en aanbesteed, verandert snel. Tegenwoordig werkt een keur aan specialisten uit verschillende disciplines tijdens verschillende fasen van het project aan het ontwerp. De segregatie van kennis in discipline-specifieke vakgebieden en de gefragmenteerde aanpak van aanbestedingen hebben geleid tot een algemeen gebrek aan samenhang in het brugontwerp. De doelstelling van dit onderzoek is het identificeren van een ontwerpbenadering, door alle schaalniveaus van het ontwerp, die leidt tot bruggen die goed geïntegreerd zijn, die integraal zijn ontworpen en die gewaardeerd worden door de samenleving.
De methodologie van dit onderzoek bestaat uit een toetsing van talrijke projecten uit mijn eigen brugontwerppraktijk. Door ontwerpoverwegingen te identificeren op vier niveaus, namelijk het niveau van het landschap, op het niveau van de brug, op het niveau van het detail en op het niveau van het materiaal, laat dit onderzoek zien hoe een algemene benadering van goed geïntegreerde, integraal ontworpen en gewaardeerde bruggen kan worden bereikt door elk van deze schalen van het ontwerp aan te pakken.
Als de mutaties die zich de afgelopen 150 jaar op het gebied van brugontwerp hebben voorgedaan ons één ding hebben geleerd, dan is het wel dat het veld van brugontwerp veel te complex is geworden om door één persoon te worden belichaamd, of het nu een ingenieur of een architect is. De rol die de bouwmeester tot in de late renaissance heeft gespeeld, waarbij esthetisch ontwerp en bouwtechniek in één persoon werden samengebracht, wordt tegenwoordig vervuld door een team van specialisten. Je zou kunnen stellen dat het geïntegreerde ontwerpteam de hedendaagse versie van de bouwmeester uit de renaissance is. De basis van het ideale team bestaat logischerwijs uit een hoofdarchitect en een hoofdingenieur. In dit team moet de architect de ontwerp-integrator zijn; hij of zij heeft de taak om het evenwicht tussen Schoonheid, Nut en Robuustheid in elke fase van het ontwerpproces te borgen. Deze evenwichtsoefening vindt plaats op alle schaalniveaus en in alle fasen van het ontwerp.
Bio-Based Composite Footbridge
Design, Production and In Situ Monitoring
This paper deals with the design, production and monitoring of a bio-composite footbridge with a span of 14 m across the river Dommel in the city of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The specific bio-composite material that was used for this research is a Natural Fibre Reinforced Bio-Polymer (NFRBP). The goal of the research is to prove that NFRBP can be applied as a load-bearing structure in an outdoor environment. For this purpose, a multidisciplinary team of academic researchers from two universities and from the Centre of Expertise Biobased Economy, together with a manufacturer from the NFRBP industry, have developed a feasible design that could be produced in a short period of time and within a limited budget. The footbridge was designed, built and installed within less than one year. In the two years after the installation of the footbridge, the structural behaviour of the bridge was monitored by means of optical fibre glass strands, integrated within the structure, with the purpose of measuring deformations and change in elasticity that occur over time.
...
This paper deals with the design, production and monitoring of a bio-composite footbridge with a span of 14 m across the river Dommel in the city of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The specific bio-composite material that was used for this research is a Natural Fibre Reinforced Bio-Polymer (NFRBP). The goal of the research is to prove that NFRBP can be applied as a load-bearing structure in an outdoor environment. For this purpose, a multidisciplinary team of academic researchers from two universities and from the Centre of Expertise Biobased Economy, together with a manufacturer from the NFRBP industry, have developed a feasible design that could be produced in a short period of time and within a limited budget. The footbridge was designed, built and installed within less than one year. In the two years after the installation of the footbridge, the structural behaviour of the bridge was monitored by means of optical fibre glass strands, integrated within the structure, with the purpose of measuring deformations and change in elasticity that occur over time.
Shaping Forces
Review of two Bridge Design Methodologies towards Architectural and Structural Symbiosis
Journal article
(2018)
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Joris Smits, Peter Eigenraam, Rafail Gkaidatzis, Dirk Rinze Visser, Kailin Wong, Stephan Wassermann-Fry
This paper investigates the symbiotic relationship between the architectural appearance of a bridge and the structural design. The research is done by reviewing and comparing the design methodology employed by the first author in the conceptualization of two of his bridges; an early work from 1997 and a recent work from 2017. The review of the early work describes a design methodology that could be described as intuitive design, whereas the later work is the result of computational from-finding and optimization. Parallels are drawn and the historical development of the toolbox of the architect and the engineer is described. The paper analysis the way the two designs were achieved by looking from the perspective of the architect and that of the engineer, two disciplines that nowadays closely work together on the design of a bridge. The paper concludes by identifying the key design considerations to achieve a beautiful yet structurally sound bridge. The question whether beauty can be the sole result of a rational design process towards the most efficient form according to the laws of mechanics, is addressed. This paper demonstrate the belief that when it comes to the design of a bridge, architecture and structure, form and force, are involved in an interdependable and symbiotic relationship.
...
This paper investigates the symbiotic relationship between the architectural appearance of a bridge and the structural design. The research is done by reviewing and comparing the design methodology employed by the first author in the conceptualization of two of his bridges; an early work from 1997 and a recent work from 2017. The review of the early work describes a design methodology that could be described as intuitive design, whereas the later work is the result of computational from-finding and optimization. Parallels are drawn and the historical development of the toolbox of the architect and the engineer is described. The paper analysis the way the two designs were achieved by looking from the perspective of the architect and that of the engineer, two disciplines that nowadays closely work together on the design of a bridge. The paper concludes by identifying the key design considerations to achieve a beautiful yet structurally sound bridge. The question whether beauty can be the sole result of a rational design process towards the most efficient form according to the laws of mechanics, is addressed. This paper demonstrate the belief that when it comes to the design of a bridge, architecture and structure, form and force, are involved in an interdependable and symbiotic relationship.
ShArc
A Shell that is an Arc as well
Book chapter
(2017)
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Joris Smits, Peter Eigenraam, Rafail Gkaidatzis, Dirk Rinze Visser, Katie Wong, Stephan Wassermann-Fry
The ShArc is more than just a bridge from A to B; this bold design will become a destination in itself and a cultural landmark for the metropolitan city of Berlin. The tripod shaped bride is located at the intersection of the Spree with the canals Charlottenburg and Landwehr, connecting Charlottenburg with Moabit. The ShArc is a hybrid structure that combines the slenderness of an arc with the stiffness of a shell. The three members of the bridge are connected at the peak of the arc geometry. At that point the deck becomes a public platform where people can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings.
In order to reduce the deck weight in that area and to maintain the open character, an opening has been created in the deck directing the pedestrian flows around the void.For a structurally effective geometry the deck is designed with a significant double curvature. In the cross-section the deck is a U-shaped half-pipe. The sides reach a maximum height at the middle of the span and also serve as a railing. In some areas, perforations are created to create views on the water and on the skyline, combining structural optimization with transparency.
...
The ShArc is more than just a bridge from A to B; this bold design will become a destination in itself and a cultural landmark for the metropolitan city of Berlin. The tripod shaped bride is located at the intersection of the Spree with the canals Charlottenburg and Landwehr, connecting Charlottenburg with Moabit. The ShArc is a hybrid structure that combines the slenderness of an arc with the stiffness of a shell. The three members of the bridge are connected at the peak of the arc geometry. At that point the deck becomes a public platform where people can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings.
In order to reduce the deck weight in that area and to maintain the open character, an opening has been created in the deck directing the pedestrian flows around the void.For a structurally effective geometry the deck is designed with a significant double curvature. In the cross-section the deck is a U-shaped half-pipe. The sides reach a maximum height at the middle of the span and also serve as a railing. In some areas, perforations are created to create views on the water and on the skyline, combining structural optimization with transparency.
Bio-Based Composite Pedestrian Bridge
Part 1: Design and Optimization
The Bio-based composite bridge is a 3TU project which aims to design and realize a 14m span pedestrian bridge made from fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) that have a high percentage of bio-based content. The bridge will be installed over the river Domel, at the campus of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands. The present paper investigates the design potentials and challenges of bio-based fibre-reinforced polymers, which is a relatively new material in architectural and structural bridge design. Along with the design possibilities of the material, the paper presents the entire design process followed from conceptual stage to detailing, focusing on the evaluation of different structural typologies and the optimization of selected geometry.
...
The Bio-based composite bridge is a 3TU project which aims to design and realize a 14m span pedestrian bridge made from fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) that have a high percentage of bio-based content. The bridge will be installed over the river Domel, at the campus of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands. The present paper investigates the design potentials and challenges of bio-based fibre-reinforced polymers, which is a relatively new material in architectural and structural bridge design. Along with the design possibilities of the material, the paper presents the entire design process followed from conceptual stage to detailing, focusing on the evaluation of different structural typologies and the optimization of selected geometry.
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bridge Design in the Netherlands
Architectural Challenges toward Innovative, Sustainable, and Durable Bridges
This paper reviews the use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) in architectural and structural bridge design in the Netherlands. The challenges and opportunities of this relatively new material, both for the architect and the engineer, are discussed. An inventory of recent structural solutions in FRP is included, followed by a discussion on architectural FRP applications derived from the architectural practice of the author and of other pioneers.
...
This paper reviews the use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) in architectural and structural bridge design in the Netherlands. The challenges and opportunities of this relatively new material, both for the architect and the engineer, are discussed. An inventory of recent structural solutions in FRP is included, followed by a discussion on architectural FRP applications derived from the architectural practice of the author and of other pioneers.
Bridge Design
Education and research in the field of integral, innovative, sustainable bridge design at TU Delft
This paper reflects on the introduction of Bridge Design as a topic for education and research at the faculty of Architecture since 2013. Introducing Bridge Design as a topic at University responds to the growing involvement of architects, landscape designers and urban designers in the current practice. Until 2013 education or research in Bridge Design was lacking at Delft University of Technology, as is the case for many of its counterparts. Two educational courses are discussed, four graduation projects, two research projects and one student competition.
...
This paper reflects on the introduction of Bridge Design as a topic for education and research at the faculty of Architecture since 2013. Introducing Bridge Design as a topic at University responds to the growing involvement of architects, landscape designers and urban designers in the current practice. Until 2013 education or research in Bridge Design was lacking at Delft University of Technology, as is the case for many of its counterparts. Two educational courses are discussed, four graduation projects, two research projects and one student competition.
A bridge with a view, a view with a bridge
Identifying design considerations for bridges to strengthen regional identity
This paper discusses design considerations for creating high quality infrastructural artefacts with an emphasis on bridges. The authors pursue a design study and analysis approach to highlight the specifics of infrastructure design for regional identity, based on their own work on a bridge ensemble in the Dutch Zaanstreek region. Two highlights of this work, the award winning Juliana Bridge and the wildlife crossing in Rijssen, are used to illustrate how to create good infrastructure design in sensitive contexts, without making use of neo-vernacular methods.
...
This paper discusses design considerations for creating high quality infrastructural artefacts with an emphasis on bridges. The authors pursue a design study and analysis approach to highlight the specifics of infrastructure design for regional identity, based on their own work on a bridge ensemble in the Dutch Zaanstreek region. Two highlights of this work, the award winning Juliana Bridge and the wildlife crossing in Rijssen, are used to illustrate how to create good infrastructure design in sensitive contexts, without making use of neo-vernacular methods.