THREE DECADES IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DRAGONS

Bridging the Future - Architecture and Technology of Bridges in Vietnam

CONTENTS

1.???? Foreword – Descented from a dragon

2.???? Bridges creating cityscapes

3.???? The role of culture in bridge design

4.???? Bính Bridge

5.???? Rao 2 Cable Stayed Bridge

6.???? Tr?n Th? Ly Bridge

7.???? Nguy?n Hoàng Bridge (Perfume River Bridge)

8.???? Ba Son Bridge (Th? Thiêm 2 Bridge)

9.???? Implementing BIM – Thu Thiem 2 Bridge

10. Outstanding BIM development

11. Open BIM for Bridges

12. Arch bridges

13. Prestressed concrete bridges

14. Cable stayed bridges

15. Extradosed bridges

16. Afterword – From past to new footprints

FOREWORD - DESCENDED FROM DRAGONS

Bridging the Future

TECHNOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE OF VIETNAM’S BRIDGES

Vietnam’s dynamic landscape of infrastructure development offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s progress. As economic growth continues to surge and urban areas expand, the demand for modern, efficient, and visually inspiring infrastructure has never been greater. Among the most vital and symbolic forms of development in the country are its bridges - elegant yet essential structures that connect not only regions but also the nation’s past, present, and future.

This book seeks to explore; based on my over 25 year journey in Vietnam; the confluence of technology and architecture in Vietnam’s bridges, examining the challenges, innovations, and triumphs that have come to define these remarkable feats of engineering. As we delve into the stories behind Vietnam’s most iconic bridges, several critical themes emerge: the role of architectural competitions, the tension between extreme architectural designs and technical practicality, and the delicate art of prioritizing funding for infrastructure projects. These factors shape the evolving landscape of bridge construction in Vietnam and highlight the indispensable contributions of international expertise in making these projects a reality.

Architectural Competitions: A Stage for Innovation and Feasibility

One of the most exciting aspects of modern bridge design is the role that architectural design competitions play in sparking innovation. In Vietnam, competitions for major bridge projects have become a platform for showcasing cutting-edge ideas, blending aesthetics with functionality. Architects and engineers from around the globe are invited to submit their boldest designs, transforming what might otherwise be a purely functional structure into a work of art that inspires and elevates the urban landscape.

However, the allure of an imaginative design often confronts the stark realities of feasibility. Proposals that push the boundaries of traditional architecture must also withstand rigorous scrutiny in terms of cost, materials, and construction viability. Designs must be adaptable to local conditions - ranging from seismic risks to seasonal flooding-and must fit within the scope of available resources. The challenge, then, is to strike a balance between architectural creativity and the technical demands of building a bridge that will endure.

For example, iconic structures such as the Dragon Bridge or the Tran Thi Ly Bridge in Danang emerged from such competitions, their visually stunning designs resonating with the cultural and historical context of their locations. Yet behind their striking appearances, these bridges underwent meticulous technical evaluation to ensure they could be constructed within the constraints of local environmental conditions and financial limitations.

In this regard, international competitions often serve as an incubator for bold ideas, but the path to realization requires collaboration between architects, engineers, and project managers, ensuring that designs meet both aesthetic aspirations and practical feasibility.

Extreme Architecture vs. Technical Practicality: A Constant Balancing Act

Vietnam’s bridge landscape is marked by the tension between extreme architectural ambition and the realities of technical practicality. Some of the most daring bridge designs flirt with the edge of what is structurally possible, offering a vision of architecture that defies conventional norms. These structures, often characterized by unique shapes, unconventional materials, or experimental engineering techniques, challenge the status quo and ignite public interest.

However, the pursuit of extreme architecture must be tempered by the laws of physics and engineering. A bridge’s form is only as valuable as its ability to serve its fundamental purpose: to facilitate safe, reliable transportation. Designs must take into account the technical challenges of load distribution, material durability, environmental conditions, and long-term maintenance.

Take, for example, the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, which rests in the hands of two giant stone sculptures. This bridge is a triumph of visual storytelling, designed to draw tourists to the mountain retreat. But the success of this extreme architectural design relies heavily on the hidden engineering solutions that make it stable in the face of weather and natural wear.

As we look at other projects, from the majestic spans of Haiphong’s Rao 2 Bridge to the clean lines of the Thu Thiem Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City, we see that the challenge for bridge designers is to deliver bold visions without sacrificing structural integrity. This constant balancing act between ambition and reality is what defines the future of bridge construction in Vietnam. Architects and engineers must continue to push boundaries, but they must do so within the framework of technical limitations, ensuring that extreme architecture remains firmly rooted in practicality.

Prioritizing Funding: The Key to Infrastructure Success

In any nation, but especially in rapidly developing countries like Vietnam, infrastructure funding is a precious resource. Governments must prioritize projects that will have the most significant impact on economic growth and social well-being. Bridges, as both functional and symbolic infrastructure, often sit at the top of this list. However, the question of which projects to fund is always subject to careful consideration.

Funding prioritization often depends on a variety of factors, including the economic benefits of improved connectivity, the social and environmental impact, and the overall strategic goals of national development. Major infrastructure projects like the Bình Bridge or the C?n Th? Bridge have been made possible through Official Development Assistance (ODA), supported by international partnerships. Such funding sources are invaluable, helping Vietnam achieve infrastructure goals that might otherwise be out of reach due to budget constraints.

International financial institutions, development agencies, and private investors are increasingly drawn to Vietnam’s infrastructure market. However, for funding to be used effectively, clear priorities must be established based on long-term strategic needs, traffic growth projections, and environmental sustainability. By ensuring that investments are directed towards high impact projects, the country can make the most of its resources while laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

Here is where international expertise plays a crucial role. Leading firms from around the world, such as ConsultingKORTES, later known as WSP in Finland, which has contributed to long span bridge projects like the Bình Bridge - offer technical knowledge, project management, and innovative solutions. These international experts bring a wealth of experience that complements Vietnam’s local expertise, ensuring that large-scale projects can be executed with precision, efficiency, and sustainability. Their insights also help maximize the value of funding by implementing best practices that can reduce long-term maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of structures.

International Collaboration: Building Bridges for the Future

As Vietnam continues its journey of modernization, the bridges that span its rivers and valleys are becoming more than mere pathways. They are symbols of the country’s ambition, its willingness to embrace innovation, and its dedication to creating a sustainable future. But achieving these ambitious goals requires collaboration - between architects and engineers, between visionaries and realists, and between local expertise and international experience.

The bridges of Vietnam are truly global endeavors, with contributions from a diverse array of professionals from across the world. From conceptual design to technical feasibility, and from securing funding to managing construction, international experts - especially those with experience in Vietnam - are helping the country achieve a harmonious balance between architectural beauty and technical practicality. These experts bring invaluable insights into local conditions, cultural significance, and sustainable practices, ensuring that each project resonates both globally and locally. These bridges not only enhance connectivity and economic activity but also reflect Vietnam’s growing presence on the global stage of design and engineering.

As you explore the pages of this book, you will discover the stories behind Vietnam’s bridges-stories of bold designs, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Each bridge is a testament to the nation’s resilience and its determination to build a future that is as strong and enduring as the structures themselves.

This foreword sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Vietnam’s bridge building endeavors, focusing on architectural competitions, the balance of ambitious design with practicality, and the strategic importance of funding, all underpinned by international collaboration. This book is also presenting basics for the most common types of the bridges globally to help to understand technology behind bridges.

? Copyright Antti Karjalainen????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? USD 20