Rutaka footbridge in Rwanda: a low technology deck launch. Issue 3 (30th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Towler, Ian; Mills, Brandon; Lofts, Matthew; Mills, Benjamin; Crosthwaite, Peter; Mistry, Divesh
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of ICE. Volume 172:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2019-01-30
• Subjects: developing countries -- footbridges -- sustainability; Civil engineering -- Periodicals; 624
• DOI: 10.1680/jcien.18.00045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-089X

Abstract

Abstract : US charity Bridges to Prosperity has delivered over 250 simply designed and built footbridges around the world to provide rural communities with year-round safe access to markets, farms, schools, health clinics and other critical services. This paper describes the innovative design and construction of a 40 m suspended footbridge in Rutaka, Rwanda, which was completed in 2017. To reduce time working at height, the volunteer engineering team developed and trialled a low-technology method for launching the deck from a temporary platform, significantly improving safety and quality control. A photography-based community initiative also helped to convey the importance of maintaining the structure.