Bridges

This paper explores sustainable bridge design as a strategy for enhancing infrastructure resilience and reducing the carbon footprint. It emphasises the use of durable, efficient materials and energy-saving technologies in creating bridges that improve transportation networks and their ability to withstand the escalating impacts of climate change.

Sustainable bridge design practices promote efficient resource utilisation, reducing maintenance needs, and the associated carbon emissions, over the life of the structure. The use of recycled and innovative new materials minimises resource extraction and energy consumption during manufacturing. Energy-efficient features and smart traffic management systems built into bridge designs can contribute to lower whole of life energy consumption and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

The paper considers future trends in the general traffic vehicle mix and the effect that will have on bridge designs of the future. The precision of a self-guided electric vehicle fleet could result in a denser concentration of vehicles leading to a reduction in lane availability requirement but increasing the load due to the heavier vehicles.

The paper illustrates how sustainable bridge design advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) that underpin the global effort to enhance the sustainability of all human endeavours, particularly those related to infrastructure and urban development, climate action, clean energy, responsible consumption, life on land and human health.

Recognising the challenges faced by infrastructure professionals in identifying tangible actions they can implement within their sphere of project influence, the paper provides suggestions for clients, designers and contractors that range from the easily achieved (current technology) to the aspirational future best practice.