The Application of Bionics Ideas in Bridge Design

Based on the classification of bionics as well as application goals, the present paper attempts to address existing problems in bridge design through incorporating bionic or biomimetics thinking. Meanwhile, it provides some new ideas into innovative design and future bridges. From macroscopic aspect, the appearance and structure in biosystem can be utilized in type-selection or innovative bridge design. From microscopic aspect, the mechanism and behavior in biosystem can also be applied in design optimization or improvement. With the discussions of bionics idea in bridge, it is likely to establish the conception of “living bridge”as well as the biological thinking in bridge design. From unconscious to conscious, the application of bionics idea may push the bridge engineering back to the future. This philosophy would help us to build more sustainable, energy- efficient, environmental friendly bridges, if we learned from Nature endlessly.