Title: Sustainable Bridges—Otay River Bridge Case Study

Author(s): E. Lorenz

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 269

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 65-72

Keywords: bridge; green; sustainability; transportation.

DOI: 10.14359/51663724

Date: 3/31/2010

Abstract:
The transportation industry is viewed by some as less sustainable due to its lack of a green rating system similar to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system. However, many long-standing design considerations of the transportation market segment have embraced sustainable design criteria. This paper relates current bridge design and construction terminology to sustainable design concepts and the sustainable benefits of precast concrete. A case study of the Otay River Bridge illustrates some of these concepts in practice. Sustainable concepts discussed in the case study include material choices, minimizing site disturbance, community involvement, and wildlife preservation.