Saturday, July 16, 2011

A bridge unseen

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I discovered a shortcut, by foot, down to the Hebrew University.
But then I was so excited to be standing on a bridge looking down at Begin Expressway for the first time that I forgot to photograph the bridge itself.
Sorry bloggers at Sunday Bridges, you'll just have to imagine it.
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The photo did, however, catch the early-morning shadows of the median trees for Shadow Shot Sunday.
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Named for the late Menachem Begin, the north-south urban freeway in western Jerusalem is all of 12.2 km or 7.6 miles long.
Many of its sections have these tall acoustic walls.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE! I finally found info on the acoustic walls that everyone is asking about!
Gash engineers designed a three-span bridge and acoustic walls with unique architectural cross-sections.
From the Gash bridge engineering website:
Acoustic barrier semi-roofing shape

The height of the wall and its shape was determined by taking under consideration an acoustic defense line at the edge of the traffic lanes instead of at the margins of the road as usual. As a result the wall's height was lowered from 12-13 meters to 8.5 meters.
Its arch shape was developed in order to reflect the noise sound back to the road.
The structure consists of modules of projecting beams covered with arch-shaped membranes made of 8 cm concrete. The beams also support prefabricated plated serves as a retaining wall for the back landscape's filling.
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The website has close-ups and blueprints in detail.
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20 comments:

  1. That's one loooooong highway. hahahaha

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  2. The acoustic walls look strangely similar to ancient temples. Or is it just my imagination running wild?

    TALKING SHADOWS?

    Imagine a shadow could talk
    In whisper or rumble or squawk;
    Just what would it say
    To make you go, “Hey!
    You’re just a chip off the old block!”?


    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

    Shadows abound here and here

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  3. Teacher, you may be right. When I was up there alone on the bridge looking down, those sound barrier walls looked totally from another time and place.

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  4. Oh my Dina, I don't blame you for being distracted by the view, when you pull this image in close it's just spectacular at the end of the highway!

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  5. After getting over the interesting view from the bridge (with the shadows, of course), I also noticed the unique shape of the sound barrier wall. Like none I've ever seen before.

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  6. The view is as important as the bridge. In this case the other way around would have been a problem ...

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  7. I love the panoramic views from the bridges. And start looking for the wings at my back, wanting to fly. Maybe because I was a bird some time long ago))
    I like this art hook: if you do not see anything, just imagine. I will use it!

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  8. I like the acoustic walls and will imagine a daring sleek bridge for you!

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  9. I like the idea of the acoustic walls. I love the sound of trains at night but hate the sound of a freeway.
    Lovely tree shadows, Dina.

    —Kay, Alberta, Canada

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  10. I like the view, Dina. And the walls at both side of the expressway. They look like they some ornaments?

    To answer your question:
    Yes, I'm posting everyday now. Trying to be consistent.

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  11. It`s a great overlook from that bridge and nice shadows from the trees.

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  12. I am curious about those semi circle roofs by the side of the road.

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  13. Thanks for that Scottish prayer.

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  14. This one deserves being enlarged. Glad I read Perth's comment. Great shot, Dina!

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  15. My imagination works good and I can see you standing on the bridge taking a fantastic photo.

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  16. Friends, thanks for all your ideas here.
    Yes, it pays to enlarge this photo and see modern Jerusalem (which I don't show you all that often).

    The tall acoustic walls on the sides of the road have a bit of a roof too. See on the far left side? The bus and cars are almost in darkness from its shadow.

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  17. Hey! I just found answers to your questions and added an update to this post!

    "Gash engineers designed a three-span bridge and acoustic walls with unique architectural cross-sections."

    From the Gash bridge engineering website:
    http://www.gash.co.il/eng/lego_tree.php?actions=show&id=66&instance_id=8

    "Acoustic barrier semi-roofing shape

    The height of the wall and its shape was determined by taking under consideration an acoustic defense line at the edge of the traffic lanes instead of at the margins of the road as usual. As a result the wall's height was lowered from 12-13 meters to 8.5 meters.
    Its arch shape was developed in order to reflect the noise sound back to the road.
    The structure consists of modules of projecting beams covered with arch-shaped membranes made of 8 cm concrete. The beams also support prefabricated plated serves as a retaining wall for the back landscape's filling."

    The website has close-ups and blueprints in detail.

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  18. Wonderful capture and perspective.

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