Structural Optimization for Efficient Bridge Designs: The Prototype for the LAX Pedestrian Bridges

The design of pedestrian bridges has been evolving significantly in the past few years due to emerging technologies and the application of non-traditional materials. This paper describes these trends with specific reference to the design of a prototype for the Los Angeles LAX airport pedestrian bridges. The design for the bridges was developed using structural optimization techniques, which have already been successfully applied in the aeronautical, automobile, and mechanical industries where natural force flows are modeled. These fundamental principles of optimization have been used to develop two novel responses to the long-span pedestrian bridge – the optimized orthotropic plate pedestrian bridge and the optimized truss pedestrian bridge. Both designs, though unique and simple, integrate the idea of topology optimization with modular design, resilient materiality, sustainable practices, and visual transparency.