WOODEN BRIDGES
Part 1: Historical Background (2)

Dominique Rene CALVI
Professor – Ecole Nationale Superiéure des Technologies et Industries du Bois, Epinal
Address: 27, rue du Merle Blanc, B.P. 1041-88051, Epinal, Cedex 9, France
 E-mail: calvidominique@aol.com

Abstract:
This paper represents a continuation of the article presented within the previous PRO LIGNO issue, referring to the history of wooden bridges, as initial part of a broader presentation concerning also examples of recent works, facts on durable conception, research and development of such structures. The present paper provides information on the history of wooden bridges during the Middle Ages and until the 18th century in Europe and Asia. A special attention is paid to the increasing awareness which appeared during this period, concerning the necessity of protecting these works in order to make them last.

Key words: wooden bridges, wooden constructions, history.