Engineers are drawing inspiration from animal limbs to design more earthquake-resistant bridges. Bridges built with limb-inspired joints and segments that allow some energy from earthquakes to diffuse through movement of the joints and sliding of the segments, rather than cracking. Researchers at Texas A&M University are investigating a hybrid sliding-rocking bridge design that is more resistant than conventional designs. By taking cues from biomechanics of how animal limbs function, engineers hope to create more durable infrastructure that can withstand seismic events through designs emulating nature.

1. BIOMIMICRY

2. LIMBS INSPIRED BRIDGES PROMISE
HIGH EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE

3. Introduction
In the realm of civil engineering, the quest for resilient infrastructure has led to a
fascinating convergence of biology and structural design. The challenge of creating
earthquake-resistant bridges has prompted engineers to turn to the natural world for
inspiration, specifically drawing insights from the biomechanics of animal limbs. This
innovative approach aims not only to enhance the structural integrity of bridges but also
to contribute to sustainable and adaptive solutions in the field of civil engineering.

5. BIOMECHANICS OF ANIMAL LIMBS
*Muscle Contraction:* Limb movement is driven by muscle contractions. The
arrangement of muscle fibers, the type of contraction (isometric or isotonic), and the
force generated contribute to the limb's motion.
*Joint Mechanics:* Joints play a crucial role. The type of joint (hinge, ball-and-
socket, etc.) and its range of motion influence how an animal moves. Ligaments and
tendons provide stability and control joint movements.

6. *Lever Systems:* Limbs can function as lever systems. The arrangement of bones
and joints determines whether a limb acts as a first, second, or third-class lever, impacting
the force and speed of movement.
*Biomechanical Efficiency:*The length and angles of limb segments can
optimize energy transfer and reduce the metabolic cost of locomotion.

7. WORKING
These bridges are made of columns containing limb-
inspired joints and segments. Hence, in the event of
an earthquake, the joints allow some of the energy
from the ground motion to diffuse while the
segments move slightly, sliding over one another
rather than bending or cracking.

8. Hybrid sliding-rocking bridge design
The hybrid sliding-rocking design,which engineers at Texas A&M
University has been investigating as a more earthquake resistant
alternative to conventional designs.

9. Today’s bridge columns are typically formed
by large monolithic concrete structures that
afford them great strength,but do invite the
possibility of cracking due to an earthquake
strike.There are other options including
constructing these load-bearing structures
out of limb inspired joints and
sections,which a new study suggests could
not only offer greater durability under
seismic activity but also be repaired on the
cheap should cracks start to appeazr.

10. Conclusion
The marriage of engineering and biology in the pursuit of earthquake-resistant bridges
represents a remarkable intersection of innovation and sustainability. Drawing inspiration
from the biomechanics of animal limbs, engineers are redefining the way we approach
infrastructure design, creating structures that not only withstand seismic forces but also
contribute to a more resilient and environmentally conscious future. As technology
continues to advance and our understanding of the natural world deepens, the bioinspired
biomechanics approach holds the potential to revolutionize not just bridge design but the
entire field of civil engineering.

11. THANK YOU !