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Fig. 10.3 Bio-inspired shape in recent bridges: a Henderson bridge (photo RSP Architects);
b double helix bridge (photo Cox Architects; c Chunhua footbridge (photo China Foto Press);
d Peace bridge (photo Nelson Hein)
in Calgary is the Peace Bridge by Santiago Calatrava (Fig. 10.3 d), which was
inspired by fishbone structures.
The public criticized that this design was too modern in the old downtown.
Given that most engineers are not capable of finding inspiration, bionic research
should try to establish a database with potential engineering solutions, such as an
illustrated guide to flowering plant morphology for learning plant forms.
The efficient natural forms feature optimal material distribution along with
elegant shapes. Historical studies on many bridge structures showed that there are
two necessary conditions that contributed to the birth of a masterpiece design, i.e.,
the understanding of structural principles and the efficient use of construction
materials. In the past 2 decades, some leading engineers have become increasingly
aware of learning from nature so that a variety of bridges were built with inspi-
rations on the mechanical principles of nature. For example, the twin inclined steel
arches as the supporting system of the Butterfly Bridge (Fig. 10.4 a) were inspired
from butterfly wings. The use of arch hangers is similar to the veins in a butterfly
wing. In contrast, the Dragon Bridge (Fig. 10.4 b) is totally mimicry of a dragon-
like skeleton form in which the actual structural system is the girder and column
underneath the deck. Santiago Calatrava is a well-known architect with a strong
bio-inspired
motivation
in
his designs.
Like
his predecessor Spanish
fellow
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