On Bridges

Doing some background research for a client I came across a surprisingly comprehensive introductory page about the basics of bridge design. This isn’t Civ Eng stuff by any means, but it’s a great overview of the taxonomy of bridges, with some excellent illustrations:

along with admirably concise descriptions.

The source website is an exhaustive survey of bridges in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, maintained by one Bruce Cridlebaugh. Though I am sometimes moved to wonder what drives people to such exhaustive efforts, it’s not like people I hang around with aren’t equally obsessed over obscure interests. :)

As websites go, it’s actually surprisingly well laid out. The intro page has a graphic explaining to visitors how to use their site:

“…To choose from a comprehensive listing of structures, (1) go to List by Location, (2) choose a map area, then (3) select from the list for structures in that area…”

Granted, enthusiasm to use this technique oneself is tempered by the obvious hassle of having to create such a graphic in the first place (not to mention that screenshots have a bad habit of getting out of date the moment you alter your stylesheets), but it is nonetheless impressive information density.

AfC