Research

25 May 23

Constant-stress arches - Q&A with Wanda Lewis

After 30 years studying the shape of tension fabric structures and observing principles of constant stress expressed in natural objects, Professor Wanda Lewis decided to apply the concept to bridge structures. She believes that the outcome – a method for designing arch bridges with a constant stress – could bring a number of benefits. Lewis talks to Jose Sanchez de Muniain.

07 Nov 22

Study opens way for mobile phones to monitor bridges

Data collected from the accelerometers of mobile phones could help evaluate the structural integrity of bridges and increase the lifespan of structures, according to new research.

10 Oct 22

Mechanical engineer applies ideas from quantum gravity research to bridge damping

An associate professor of mechanical engineering is using ideas from quantum gravity research to help engineers predict resonance in structural engineering.

21 Jun 22

Researcher develops new sensor to warn of scour

A researcher in Northern Ireland has developed a new prototype sensor that is designed to provide an early warning signal if a bridge is at risk of scour.

28 Apr 22

Bridge built using flax opens in the Netherlands

The first of three bridges to combine flax fibres with a bio-resin has been completed in the Netherlands.

04 Mar 22

Research into steel bridges secures funding

Newly awarded grants with enable the University of Kansas to carry out a trio of research projects, including one aimed at preventing constraint-induced fractures in steel bridges and another looking at steel with ultra-high toughness.

21 Jan 22

Professor outlines new style of arch bridge

A university professor has developed a new style of arch bridges that is inspired by nature and claimed to be more robust than ever.

15 Dec 21

Academics unravel reasons for Millennium Bridge wobble

A team of researchers based in the USA and UK has announced that it has dispelled previous theories around the side-to-side movement of London’s Millennium Bridge when crossed by a large number of pedestrians.

03 Nov 21

New research project to develop cyber-secure bridge monitoring

The US Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a US$5 million grant for research to extend the lifespan of bridges through monitoring technology designed to offer protection against hacking.

11 Oct 21

Swiss researchers create footbridge from recycled concrete

Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland have built a prototype footbridge using reinforced-concrete blocks taken from the redundant walls of a building that is being renovated.

15 Sep 21

Redundant bridge used for prestressing studies

Sections of the old Bonner Bridge in North Carolina, USA, are being tested to help engineers improve future structures.

21 Jul 21

International research project seeks to capture bridge energy

Researchers from Scotland and the USA are seeking to harvest the energy that is generated when bridges vibrate and use it to power sensors.

06 Jul 21

New Zealand researchers develop quake-resistant bridge design

Researchers at the University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand have developed a design of bridge that they claim would yield little to no damage if hit by a strong earthquake.

21 Apr 21

Researchers propose new approach to bridge maintenance

New research from the University of Georgia (UGA) suggests that bridge owners can save money and extend the life of their bridges by taking a fresh approach to how they prioritise maintenance.

06 Nov 20

Funding awarded for bridge scour research

A university in Illinois, USA, has secured funding for a four-year research project aimed at reducing the incidence of scour at bridges.

13 Aug 20

Researchers assess decade of data from new I-35W bridge

A team from the University of Minnesota has made recommendations for bridge instrumentation after reviewing 10 years of data from the structure that replaced the collapsed I-35W bridge.

31 Jul 20

Over to you

Asking readers to name the innovation that they believed had had the most impact on the bridge industry in the last 25 years was always going to lead to a variety of responses — but there was a clear winner.
19 Mar 20

Full circle

A bridge prototype in the Netherlands has proved that it is possible to build a circular bridge with only 1% material wastage. Proposals are now being invited for research and development to take this further, reports Helena Russell

17 Mar 20

Study finds mixed results from methods of mitigating bridge corrosion

A study of efforts undertaken 20 years ago to mitigate corrosion of a reinforced concrete highway bridge has given researchers insights into the long-term effectiveness of different measures.

06 Jan 20

Swiss researchers aim to create 'living' bridges

Researchers at ETH Zurich are aiming to create ‘living’ structures that can monitor their condition and repair themselves.

Hot Topics

Subscribe

Subscribe to Bridge design & engineering, the only international magazine focussing exclusively on the bridge industry
bridge design & engineering covers Subscribe Today

eNewsletter

Sign up to get our twice-monthly email update

Sign up