Trends in Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges in Japan

Bridges in Japan are exposed to extreme natural forces in the form of earthquakes, typhoons, floods, tidal and wave actions, ground subsidence and landslides, in addition to heavy vehicle loads. The use of steel-concrete composite elements is widespread in Japanese bridges today. Numerous new types of steel-concrete composite bridge structures are being investigated and developed in order to benefit from the structural integrity and performance, ductility and economy of construction offered by steel-concrete composite bridge decks and piers. This paper presents the steel-concrete composite bridge trends in Japan, focusing mainly on composite girders, slabs and columns.