Adam, a former student has started an electronic bridge scrap book.  He takes and collects pictures of bridges he’s seen on trips.  This is the 2010 version of a similar thing I used to do as a kid.  I had a bridge scrap book, but it was all hard copy.  I would cut out pictures of bridges from magazines and assemble them in my scrap book.  Back in those days, there was no internet, I-phones or indoor plumbing, and we had to walk 5 miles to school in the blinding snow. 

 

Adam is very well travelled.  He visited Brasilia, Brazil, the site of the Juscelino Kubitschek (JK) Bridge.  The three span overdeck arch bridge crosses Lake Paranoa.  It features a flashy and startling design, since the arches are out of plane requiring some fancy cable connections and details.  In addition to the startle-factor due to the unexpected position of the arches, the bridge looks beautiful in overhead shots or from a distance (below).  The bridge and its constructors have been recipients of several awards since its opening in 2002.


blog post photo
Reference: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BSB_Ponte_JK_Helicoptero_02_2006_79_8x6.JPG

 

In close-up shots, the design is less impressive, I think.  Adam took the pictures below from the shore.  Because of the odd position of the arches, the lake ends up cluttered with extra piers and structural struts to hold the whole thing in place.  Maybe if the arches were aligned with the longitudinal direction of the bridge, the detailing could have been cleaner, resutling in what I believe would be a more attractive bridge. 


blog post photo


blog post photo