Modern construction is increasingly making the move to green building and energy practices.
When building a bridge you have to take sustainability into account.
The question many planners ask though is how to make a bridge green?
Follow along with our guide below to learn the basics of green bridge building.
How to Make a Bridge Green
There are several key factors that go into making a green bridge. These include everything from the design, the materials used, and impact studies done.
In urban landscapes creating a green bridge mainly has to take into account the impact on human actions. A green bridge shouldn’t negatively impact the sightlines or lighting of nearby housing.
It should flow with the landscape and provide real benefits to the community.
For highway overpasses and other rural bridges, the impact on the environment becomes much more serious. If a major highway is built it can separate animal habitats and prevent movement.
It’s important to create some method for animals to easily cross it without risk. Older overpass design didn’t account for this but newer systems allow them to safely cross over the highways.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable designs have to look at things like the impact on wind and water flow as well as the effect on wildlife. These go beyond just structural studies for the safety of the bridge and include things like how local wind patterns will be affected.
You have to start with a high-quality bridge designed by professionals, like the ones on this website. Once you’ve matched the bridge type to the location and styling you can begin construction.
Hallmarks of sustainable and green design are the inclusion of natural features in the bridge itself. Many incorporate plantlife prominently. If you’re building an automobile bridge, the inclusion of a walking path can also fall under green building practices.
Green Materials
One of the biggest ways you can make a bridge green is to use green building materials. There are lots of different materials you can choose from to better match your environment.
The first step is to check the provenance of the materials you’re using. Sustainable sourcing is an important part of green building. Using very durable materials is another great way to build sustainably.
Steel and other well-engineered materials will last for a significant length of time. When properly maintained this can be extended even longer.
Wildlife Protection and Crossing
Any sustainable bridge has to take into account the wildlife living in its area. This doesn’t just include four-legged creatures either. Animal bridges need to encompass all species in the area.
Depending on the location of the bridge and the landscape it’s on you have to build with an eye towards flying creatures and even fish. If a bridge will interrupt the flight line of local birds or bats it’s important to put impact mitigation in place. Otherwise, they might strike the bridge and die.
Plan For the Future
It’s very important to plan ahead when incorporating sustainable design into your bridge. By following these steps you now know how to make a bridge that meets green standards.
To find out more about green energy and sustainable living topics, check out these other interesting articles.
