Whatever Happened to Long-Term Bridge Design?

The Chairman of the Board of one of the leading engineering firms in the nation ponders the future of American bridges. In today’s designing of bridges, Thomas R. Kuesel points out that light, thin, elastic and graceful are the adjectives come to mind. He worries that old fashioned concepts of stiff, rugged and durable construction are not actively pursued by present day designers. He states the case for a long useful life for bridges and stresses the need for endurability.