AESTHETICS OF RECONSTRUCTED BRIDGES

Abstract

The article presents the relationships rules between the bridges’ structure and their architectural aesthetics, as well as an influence on the nature of their connection to the context. It reflects the role of the author-designer for creating of the bridge unique aesthetic image. The negative role of limited typologies mass replication, using prefabricated concrete bridge structures with no aesthetic concerns (sometimes ugly) in the late 20th century is also highlighted. At that time the individual role of the author in the bridge design for aesthetic purposes was completely obsolete.

There is an analysis of current conditions of existing bridges in Ukraine, focused on the need for rebuilding or reconstruction. Considering the number of bridges with unsatisfactory performance conditions as well as comparing the cost of rebuilding and reconstruction - 3-4 times difference - it’s wise to choose reconstruction but ensuring rationality of the design decisions and bringing the bridge performance estimates to the level of the new ones. One of the most efficient reconstruction techniques is the overlaying of the reinforcing slab with cantilevers and no support’s volume increasement in order to reinforce and widen the bridge span. this technique allows both, to solve the main structural task of the reconstruction as well as to improve aesthetic characteristics, that were too poor before the reconstruction