Bayonne Bridge: The Work of Othmar Ammann, Master Builder
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 13, Issue 6
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the significance of the Bayonne Bridge and to identify it as a work of structural art, because its designer, Othmar Ammann (1879–1965), focused on efficiency, economy, and elegance. To understand Ammann’s ideas and his great arch bridge, we will: (1) briefly describe his educational background; (2) explore his design concept; (3) explain the behavior of the bridge through a careful structural analysis; (4) include a critical analysis of its design; and (5) reflect on lessons to be learned from Ammann. A full, modern technical study of the Bayonne Bridge has never been published. Since we are very fortunate to have one of the few complete sets of the plans, we will present an independent structural analysis to explain Ammann’s design concept and to demonstrate its efficiency in the complete form and its safety during construction.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank Professor Ted Zoli for his help regarding the geometry and modeling of the bridge. Frank Lombardi and Tom Wagner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have generously spent time and energy to provide access to the plans and documents about the Bayonne Bridge. The writers would also like to thank Ted Segal, Powell Draper, and Katie Kelly for their help with the computer analysis. They are also very grateful for financial support from the National Science Foundation Grant No. NSF0308549.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 13 • Issue 6 • November 2008
Pages: 635 - 643
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 31, 2007
Accepted: Jan 3, 2008
Published online: Nov 1, 2008
Published in print: Nov 2008
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