Bridge Aesthetics Sourcebook


This Sourcebook presents guidelines for improving the appearance of short- to medium-span bridges (those with spans up to about 300 feet). These structures constitute the great majority of bridges and are often referred to as “workhorse” bridges. The Sourcebook begins by explaining why it is necessary for engineers to consider bridge aesthetics. It then provides practical, easy-to-apply ideas for design engineers to use in developing elegant designs for the typical bridges on which they work every day. This Sourcebook has been prepared by the Subcommittee on Bridge Aesthetics (AFF10(2)) of the Transportation Research Board (TRB). The group is a subcommittee of TRB’s General Structures Committee (AFF10). Full credits may be found at the end of the Sourcebook. This is the initial DRAFT of the Sourcebook. It