Research Article
Jul 1973
Deck-Stiffened Arch Bridges of Robert Maillart
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of the Structural Division
Volume 99, Issue 7
Abstract
This paper describes Maillart's controversial analysis for the elegant thin concrete arches he designed from 1924 to 1934. Starting from a clear understanding of structural behavior, Maillart designed these arches so that almost all the live-loading bending would be taken by the stiff deck, thus leaving the thin arch to carry little more than axial compression. The validity of his simplified analysis is confirmed by comparing his results to those from a modern computer analysis. By emphasizing design thinking instead of analytic refinement, Maillart achieved works of art in structural engineering. His approach is then contrasted to American arch studies during the same decade (1924–1934) to show how American emphasis on analytic refinement seems to have narrowed the vision of design possibilities. As late as 1972 Maillart's design ideas seem still do not to be clearly understood.
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Published In
Journal of the Structural Division
Volume 99 • Issue 7 • July 1973
Pages: 1527 - 1539
Copyright
© 1973 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Jul 1973
Published online: Feb 1, 2021
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Authors
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David P. Billington, M.ASCE
Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Princeton Univ., Princeton, NJ
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.