This report has been prepared for the National Science Foundation and other interested
agencies to call their attention to the urgent national need to upgrade the bridge systems
throughout the country to resist earthquakes and other natural forces.
The report presents a plan for the establishment of a National Bridge Engineering
Laboratory with facilities and equipment to conduct seismic engineering experiments,
develop analytical and design procedures, and provide the foundation for a graduate
education program and training center.
This plan was motivated by the deterioration, structural obsolescence, and deficiencies
of the existing bridges in the United States. The participating bridge engineering
professionals, drawn from private practice, academia, and state and federal organizations,
recognized that urgent measures are required to mitigate potential disaster from impending
earthquakes and other natural forces which occur throughout the country (Foreword by
author).