Development of a rating system for sustainable bridges

Abstract

One of the latest trends in engineering is sustainable design, which is designing so that resources are available for many generations to come. Sustainable design considers the ecological, economic, and socio-cultural environments and works to balance all three. Sustainable bridge design is still in development, and clear standards and recommendations have not been formalized as they have in building design. The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) Green Building Rating System evaluates sustainable building design by awarding points based on measurable criteria. The LEEDTM rating system deals with buildings, but a similar system could be developed that would apply to bridge design. This report proposes a rating system for sustainable bridge design based on current practices and emerging technologies. Three bridges (either new or under construction) were rated using the system and the results are presented. Also discussed are steps and obstacles for implementation.