Innovation in Long Span Concrete Bridges

This paper includes a new conceptual approach for half-through arch bridges, and proposes a solution that can produce economic and easy-to-build arch bridges. Innovation in cable supported structures such as cable-stayed and extradosed bridges can be seen in terms of finding ways to make the main girders lighter. Recently, there has been remarkable progress in composite structures that permit lighter main girders. The paper introduces a number of initiatives to reduce the weight of cable supported bridges, focusing mainly on Japan, in the hope of providing ideas for further innovation.