e-mosty December 2018 e-mosty December 2018 | Page 6

ON BRIDGES
Seshadri Srinivasan
Figure 1: Bandra-Worli Sealink at night
Creator of Elegance
For over 50 years, I have led the evolution thought and
understanding of concrete bridges. From the early
1970s as an early exponent of aesthetic design of
concrete bridges, I have put the case that engineers
are best placed to lead the holistic design of bridges.
This article looks back over a range of structures
where I have been personally and fully responsible for
the concept, design and successful implementation, to
reflect on the success of this approach.
I have designed a wide range of structures of all forms
all of which have a combination of aesthetic grace and
structural efficiency. Many of my projects have been
borne out of very particular circumstance giving rise to
a range of unique projects.
Though varied, the projects have a consistent personal
style which embodies a high level of engineering
excellence in concept, technical innovation, delivery
economy and aesthetics.
As a designer I have aimed to bring to Civil Engineering
structures in particular the aesthetic grace and
attractiveness to rebut the common belief that they
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cannot be but uninteresting and massive in
appearance. I believe that every project is unique in
that it presents its own guidelines for the design to
follow.
This leads me to take a holistic approach that also
takes into account the construction methodology, to
produce an adequate response to these specific
requirements.
I use concrete as a mouldable material most suited to
express the ideas of form that are true to its function,
both economically and efficiently.
Whilst I have an unusual approach in believing in
having a single controlling mind for design and to
drive the execution of projects, I have been fortunate
to have led an exceptional team over the years and I
have aimed to enthuse those engineers under my
guidance to rise to their own professional challenges.
Innovations in analytical methods and construction
techniques developed by myself and my team have
been used extensively on my projects and by the
industry, with considerable success and economy.