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| Ir. Andi Syaiful Amal, MT, IPM, ASEAN Eng, during an Interview (Photo: Hilmi Humas) |
Bridges made primarily of glass have become a trend in recent times. The visually appealing aesthetic often becomes a primary consideration for developers when creating these currently trending glass bridges. It's not uncommon for glass bridges to also become tourist icons and popular photo spots for the public.
One such bridge exists in Banyumas, Central Java. Unfortunately, some time ago, a tragedy occurred when the glass bridge shattered, causing several visitors to fall through, with one of them instantly losing their life.
This irony has caught the attention of Andi Syaiful Amal, an instructor in Civil Engineering at the Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM), Ir. Andi Syaiful Amal, MT, IPM, ASEAN Eng, prompting him to analyze to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. He believes there are three fundamental aspects to consider when constructing glass bridges.
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"At the very least, these three fundamental aspects need attention: the construction, the structure, and the materials used. Especially when construction takes place in locations prone to extreme conditions," expressed Andi, commonly known as Andi.
Andi explains that the bridge's structure requires detailed calculations, accounting for expansion and contraction due to varying temperatures. Whether exposed to scorching sunlight or cold rainy weather, if not considered carefully, the bridge is highly susceptible to cracking or even breaking, posing a threat to visitors' safety.
"It's a simple logic, glass is one of the materials prone to cracking. So, if we don't consider its behavior during long-term temperature changes, it can be extremely dangerous. Even, if it's a pedestrian overpass bridge (JPO)," he elaborated.
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Material-wise, an ideal glass bridge should have a glass thickness of 1.5 centimeters. It's essential to consider the fluctuating bridge load, crowd density, visitor weight, and weather changes between hot and cold. Continuous exposure to these elements can easily lead to glass cracking.
Finally, the Civil Engineering lecturer highlights the importance of regular evaluations to assess the current condition of the glass bridge. Standardization regarding the bridge's condition is crucial, as is examining its construction aspects, whether there's any shifting or misalignment in the glass, checking for cracks, loose bolts, and all elements related to its structure.
"Everything related to the structure and materials should be regularly maintained and evaluated to ensure it remains a safe tourist destination for the community," he concluded. (*hil/wil/fajr)
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