The 2024 Annual Lecture will be given by Ted Zoli (HNTB), who is joining us from the USA.
Adaptation and the practice of bridge design in North America
As bridge design practice continues to evolve, it is useful to ask how well-adapted we are; and where change may be both necessary and wise. As bridges are somewhat unique in the built environment, with the goal of connecting public investment with public good, it is necessary that we do this regularly. Yet change happens slowly and incrementally.
Both change and status quo are not without risk. The weight of past practice, established design codes and standards, and an industry well-tuned to existing workflows are important barriers to consider. Aspects of adaptation and how it has influenced in the design of built bridges in North America will be discussed. The role of the designer, and more importantly the built work, as a mechanism for needed change will be highlighted.
Ted Zoli
Ted Zoli serves as the technical director of HNTB’s bridge practice. He has led the design of numerous innovative first-of-their kind bridges, including the network arch Lake Champlain Bridge (NY, VT); the gusset-less truss for Portsmouth Memorial Bridge (ME-NH); the hybrid cable stayed Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge (MA); the first major network arch in the country, the Blennerhassett Island Bridge (WV-OH); and the first double curved cable stayed bridge in the U.S., the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (NE-IA). Zoli also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University. In 2009, Zoli was made a MacArthur Fellow; and in 2012, he was selected as ENR’s Award of Excellence winner, considered the U.S. construction industry’s most prestigious honour.
Dinner
Sponsored by Teufelberger-Redaelli
Immediately following the Ted Zoli’s lecture, join us for dinner aboard HMS Belfast and experience 1940’s life on board this restored cruiser. Welcome drinks will be served from 8pm, followed by a superb seasonal 3-course dinner at 8.30pm in The Ship’s Company Dining Hall, where you will be seated amongst the warship’s original features.
You will have the opportunity to explore the museum and watch the sunset on the Quarter Deck whilst enjoying views of London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
HMS Belfast is a short walk from London Bridge Station.
