Structural Fuses for Safer and More Economical Bridge Construction

该项目旨在开发一种新的结构系统，通过使用定制的结构保险丝来建造更经济的混凝土桥梁。在结构设计中，需要有相当大的安全裕度，以考虑意外超载并降低结构倒塌的风险。这样的边际导致了更多的材料使用。在超载时触发的结构中加入保险丝将导致更安全的故障模式，并防止进一步增加载荷，这两者都会在不破坏安全性的情况下导致结构减少。预计该项目将推动结构理论的发展，并通过降低成本和更环保的建筑为建筑业带来显著好处。

This project aims to develop a novel structural system leading to more economical concrete bridge construction by utilising a customised structural fuse. A significant margin of safety is required in structural design to account for accidental over-loading and to reduce the risk of structural collapse. Such a margin leads to more material usage. Incorporation of a fuse into the structure that is triggered upon over-loading will cause a safer failure mode and prohibit further increase of loading, both of which result in a reduced structure without undermining safety. The project is expected to advance structural theory, and also provide significant benefits to the construction industry via cost reduction and more eco-friendly constructions.