PCI eLearning Course T110: Preliminary Precast, Prestressed Concrete Design-PCI BDM Ch 5

PCI BDM Ch 5 – Aesthetics

Pdf Summary

Chapter 5 of the PCI Bridge Design Manual focuses on incorporating aesthetics into bridge design. The chapter emphasizes the importance of considering aesthetics in all bridge designs and encourages designers to reflect on past experiences and study aesthetics independently. The chapter provides definitions of aesthetic design concepts such as order, balance, rhythm, line, mass, scale, unity, proportion, clarity of function, form, simplicity, color, texture, harmony, and craftsmanship.<br /><br />The chapter also discusses the importance of public involvement and a team approach in incorporating aesthetics in bridge design. It suggests early involvement of all members of the design team and collaboration with the public through the conceptual development of the project. The chapter emphasizes the need for a multi-disciplinary team and the inclusion of an architect or aesthetics consultant.<br /><br />The chapter further discusses project aesthetics, including alignment and span arrangement. It emphasizes the importance of alignment with the site geometry and the influence of engineering constraints on alignment. The chapter also discusses the visual impact of span arrangement, recommending the use of structurally efficient beam cross sections and the incorporation of texture, color, and surface treatments to enhance the visual interest of the structure.<br /><br />Additionally, the chapter provides guidance on component aesthetics, including abutments, piers, pier caps, crossbeams, beams, traffic barriers, pedestrian railings, signs, light standards, utilities, slope protection, and noise walls. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining symmetry in substructure units and provides examples of how color and texture can be used effectively in bridge design.<br /><br />The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of maintaining and documenting aesthetic features in bridge maintenance, as well as considering the cost of aesthetics in bridge design. It also provides a list of publications for further study on bridge aesthetics.

Keywords

aesthetics

bridge design

alignment

span arrangement

visual impact

multi-disciplinary team

component aesthetics

symmetry

bridge maintenance

public involvement