Abstract

A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacle such as a body of water, city, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle. Bridges are a unique offshoot of architecture and possess their own associated terms, components and styles. This paper presents the second part of Japanese bridges by investigating architectural aspects of its design. Limited usable land in heavily populated areas of Japan has often necessitated the design of unique bridge approaches. One of such design is the spiral viaduct bridge approach. When this design is used, care is taken to make the structures aesthetically appealing. An important reason for the bridge construction will lead into a critical study of bridge aesthetics and structural design. According to the configuration of frameworks, bridges may be described as arched, girdered and cable stayed or suspension. Refereeing to Japanese bridges, those most frequently provided cable stayed in the construction of bridges are important factor in architecture and bridges aesthetic. This paper presents a brief history of bridge design in Japan, and then discusses the influence of technical factors on Japan bridges design.

Key words: Bridge architecture, Japan, cable stayed, aesthetic, grid box, arched.