The
development trends observed in bridge
engineering are specified and discussed.
The growth in the bridge spans,
the use of non-conventional structural materials
and the new architectural forms of bridge structures are presented in
particular and exemplified. Improvement in bridge durability as well as the
economic and social problems concerning the bridges are also characterized. The
generals world’s trends are compared with those observed in Poland during the
last years. Moreover, some other more particular development trends such as
progress in construction of modern wooden bridges, the use of free
prestressing tendons, constructions of extradosed and ribbon concrete bridges as well as the
applications of the dumpers and fairing devices to control the bridge
behaviour, are briefly discussed too.