Bridges for rural feeder roads - sustainable timber solutions

Project aims

To develop low-cost, appropriate technology timber bridge systems utilising local materials (specifically lesser used timber species), skills and labour Bowstring bridge in Costa Rica, erected in 1926

Countries

• Ghana

Activities

• Review of literature and existing bridge systems
• Evaluation of material availability, facilities, skill levels and requirements specific to counterpart country
• Testing of suitable LUS (lesser used species)
• Timber treatment trials
• Design and development of appropriate bridge systems
• Testing of structural components and assemblies

Outputs

• Ongoing characterisation, including structural design values, for LUS (lesser used species)
• Construction of demonstration bridges
• Training programmes in UK and counterpart country
• Preparation and distribution of manuals, videos and other training material
• Local seminars and workshops