Case Studies : Cooper River Bridge : Introduction Cooper River Bridge Figures 1.1 - 1.4 Figure Description Thumbnail 1.1 Artist's rendering of the Cooper River Bridge. Note the sleek, uncluttered appearance achieved using the uniform depth Warren Truss design. 1.2 Artist's rendering, done during the conceptual design phase, of view seen driving on the bridge (through the truss). To achieve the clean lines, unsightly cross bracings were eliminated and lateral stability was achieved through moment resisting frames. Also, all members were closed box sections which give a clean appearance and also facilitate easy maintenance. 1.3 View through the truss during construction. Note the stringer beams which will eventually support the concrete bridge deck. 1.4 View through an older style truss bridge (ie, this is what the designers are trying to avoid in the Cooper River Bridge). Note the cluttered appearance due to: (a) the variable depth of the truss, (b) the use of diagonal and vertical truss members, and (c) the use of open H shape sections for bracing.