Design of Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges to Eurocodes

Aristidis Iliopoulos

Preference :

Bridges have a strong symbolism as they connect opposite sides. It is not a coincidence that bridges are illustrated on one side of Euros. For many engineers, bridge design assumes top priority in their practice. In fact, the design of the optimal, technical, economical, and aesthetical solution with existing tools and means is a challenge for any structural engineer. International best practices show that the search for alternative solutions and the choice of the optimal one is essential for the construction of a successful bridge. The criteria for selection may be governed by technical, economical, operational, aesthetical, and environmental considerations and may be the choice of either the owner, the contractor, the designer, or the user. As a result, bridge construction builds a healthy competition as regards structural types, construction materials, construction methods, and other parameters that result in a polymorphy of bridges. In some aspects, bridges reflect the technological development in a period or in a country.