just ust add The Newsletter of Engineers in Action
Water
Volume 2, Issue 1
Oct 2023
Bridge Program Tackles New Challenge In 2022, the Bridge Program celebrated the milestone of reaching 100 bridges built, impacting the lives of over 150,000 people. Each of those bridges were “suspended” pedestrian bridges with the deck hanging downward, suspended from squat, rock-masonry abutments. Suspended bridges are the most economical type of pedestrian bridge and are best suited for gorge-like terrain, where high banks ensure plenty of space (freeboard) between the bottom of the deck and the floodwaters below. For flatter terrains though, the banks aren’t high enough to ensure enough freeboard for our suspended bridges. In those situations, a “suspension” pedestrian bridge works best. Suspension bridges solve this freeboard challenge by pulling the deck into an upward curve away from the floodwaters. This is done by threading cables over tall, steel towers - which compensate for the flatter terrain – and hanging the deck from those cables. (cont’d on next page)
Water is at the heart of Engineers In Action’s mission. With our community partners, we build systems and infrastructure that provide water that is clean and accessible for drinking and cooking, for sanitation and good hygiene, and for growing food. When it is a barrier to school, healthcare or employment, we construct safe passage over it. To change lives and transform communities - “Just Add Water.”