A Strong Connection with the Community
When tasked with designing and constructing a project that involves a local landmark, what approach would you take? Increasingly, architects and planners recognize the importance of engaging with the public. They understand that new structures should not only replace existing landmarks seamlessly but also enhance public safety and offer richer recreational experiences.
The Sixth Avenue Viaduct, which spans the Los Angeles River, is one of the most iconic bridges in the United States and has been featured in over 20 films. However, the concrete used in its construction undergoes chemical reactions over time, making the bridge especially vulnerable to earthquakes. As a result, it requires replacement. The City of Los Angeles is committed to preserving the beloved arched design by replacing it with a striking new structure.
The new bridge, designed by structural engineer Ted Zoli and architect Michael Maltzan, features multiple continuous arches and a specialized lighting system that maximizes illumination while minimizing glare and shadows.
Implementing BIM in the New Structural Design
This new Sixth Avenue Viaduct marks the first use of a continuous mesh arch structural system in California. The arches are supported by columns placed on independent foundations, significantly enhancing safety during earthquakes.
Project leader HNTB recognized that the complexity of the bridge’s design demanded precise visualization for aesthetic analysis and simulation. Consequently, the design team adopted a model-based workflow using Building Information Modeling (BIM) right from the project’s outset.
Initially, Revit was used for 3D modeling, while Dynamo Studio refined the bridge’s curves and geometric shapes. Dynamo enabled the team to manage and better understand the bridge’s overall curve parameters. By leveraging these tools, the team successfully integrated design aesthetics with structural load considerations, wind forces, traffic flow, drainage, and other critical factors in this large and complex project.
Author: Green BIM + Team Zhang Xiaoqian
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