Optimal arch bridge
Published in June 2016, a professor from the University of Warwick has completed a research paper that claims to present an optimised design for an arch bridge with unlimited bearing capacity.
The claim being made for Emeritus Prof. Wanda Lewis' findings, is that it could make possible a new generation of indestructible bridges, something that has been debated for centuries.
The catenary form of bridge arch – resembling the line of an upside-down chain line – was demonstrated to the Royal Society by Robert Hook in the 17th century. The inverted parabola is the only other form proposed by classical theory. Both shapes can take only a specific type of load without developing complex stresses which are points of weakness.
Prof. Lewis, of Warwick's School of Engineering, has used a process of design called 'form-finding' which is inspired by natural processes. This is an attempt at filling in the gaps in the classical theory, offering a new mathematical solution to the optimal arch subjected to general loading. The design of rigid structures that follow a strong natural form are enabled by the process of form-finding. A force of pure compression or tension sustain these structures with no bending stresses, which on other structures are the main points of weakness.
The potential for the breakthrough could be bridge and structure designs that are capable of taking any combination of permanent loading without generating complex stresses, an engineering problem that has hitherto yielded no solution. Such structures could be more durable and require less maintenance.
A fellow of ICE, Prof. Lewis has spent many years studying forms and shapes as they occur in the natural world. In natural processes such as the outlines of a tree or leaf, or a shell's curve, they can be seen to withstand applied forces by developing simple stress patterns. She has developed mathematical models that implement design principles and produce similarly simple stress patterns in structures.
Her paper explains how a piece of fabric is suspended, and allowed to relax into its natural, gravitational, minimum-energy shape. That shape is then frozen into a rigid object and inverted. By simulating the gravitational forces applied to the structure by finding coordinates through computation, a shape (natural form) is produced that can withstand the load with ease.
You can read the paper at the Royal Society.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.