Bailey Bridges

Not my specialty, but what do you mean by 'broken span connector'. The bridge is in daily use so I hope nothing is broken....as I said, not my specialty! I have other photos so hopefully at least one of them will have the detail you mention.

 

In bridging one would make a distinction between a 'fixed span' and a 'broken span'. In simplistic terms a fixed span is rated for a certain weight at a maximum length of span. When that length is exceeded the weight carrying ability is reduced. Therefore to maintain the weight carrying ability one uses broken spans, i.e. several spans connected together and supported at the joining point. The best way to visualise this is as an old stone bridge supported on arches. Every span between the arches can be considered a separate span with the arch supporting the ends of both spans. That's what the Cribbing is doing in the previous photograph. The main span of the bridge is probably at maximum length for the weight classification so the on and off ramps are made as 'broken span' with cribbing to support them.From the little detail I can see it looks as though they might be using Thos Storey span junction posts to connect the spans, but If poss I'd like to see a head on shot of these.

I think, operationally, it was HGB that first started putting the transoms through the base of the diamond. That would have been about 1953.

 

Just discovered there's a Bailey Bridge in Toronto acting as a pedestrian overpass at the south side of Exhibition Place.

Lake Shore Boulevard Bailey Bridge - Wikipedia

And there is another in the Greater Toronto Area erected in 1954 still taking vehicular traffic. It's been designated a historic landmark as it was erected by the engineers after Hurricane Hazel.

Old Finch Avenue Bailey Bridge - Wikipedia

 

Was up in the Troodos mountains a few weeks back having a look at this Double-Double EWBB, built in 1959. Absolutely lovely.

 

Recently cycled across this fine DT in Luang Prabang in northern Laos. Almost certainly built by the French. In pretty good nick but now only used by motor cycles/mopeds/bicycles/chickens etc. Wooden walkway still usable but walking across raised the heart rate a bit.

 

Finally visited the BB at Ring's End near Guyhirn in Cambs:
52°36'07.4"N 0°03'16.7"E
(Given up trying to link/embed the Google Map!)

It was an unplanned visit so I forgot to take a tape measure to check the width. Interesting to see that it's 'naked' and showing its stringers. Although many are missing, it also has transom clamps rather than more permanent arrangements seen on many civvie ones.

 

I think this Is a US army bridge.
Keith

 

Original AM photo from my collection of the Arnhem bridge and a two way bridge next to it in 1945
Keith.

 

Oh the days of the Company Reserved Demolition.

I am not sure that the Army practice Reserved Demolitions much these days.

Regards

Frank

 

We dug in as a company on this bridge in 1976 to practice a reserved demolition guard as part of a battalion exercise. My platoon was on the ridge in the background of photo 17.13.17. I remember soon after we had completed the position, on ground that had been dug over countless times and was more rusting compo cans than earth, the commando log battalion drove across the bridge and through our defensive position. Fine except both organisations were on different exercises. Total chaos.

 

Looks more like a shell scrape to me Owen!

F

 

Presumably the large tree was used to mark the gun’s right of arc?

 

Not a Bailey but an MGB Dry gap on the plain back in 81

 

Just noticed, lurking in the background appears to be a Bailey Bridge.
Canot recall building that one so was it a permanent feature of this location?.

 

My first post here so I hope I'm doing everything right.

I live in Devon and I've been trying to find some images of the pre D-Day practice Bailey Bridges at Exeter Countess Wear and on the Tamar, there are a couple of small images in "Ever Faithful" the History of the 1st (City of Exeter) Battalion Devon Home Guard which seem to show the Exeter Bridge.

However this quite famous picture could be a contender, but can anyone give an actual location to confirm or rule it out please?

Rob

 

Hello Rob, nice to see you on here. Someone must know more...I'm sorry that I can't help at all.

Feel free to join in on my BEF motorcycle markings thread