The primary cable consists of easily transported 2m lengths of steel cable connected by galvanised steel shackles which are low cost, light-weight, strong connectors used in the worldwide construction industry and can be assembled using simple hand tools.. The backstays are made from 15-20m lengths of steel cable also easily transportable to the site. The use of short lengths of cables allow replacement of individual sections should damage occur helping secure the longevity of the structure. Yunnan Province is better known for its non-ferrous local materials rather than steel and iron works. However China is the largest steel producer in the world thus the cable can be sourced from China, if not the Yunnan area. The Yunnan Government is largest steel producer in the world thus the cable can be sourced from China, if not the Yunnan area. The Yunnan Government is seeking international investment to improve the Province’s infrastructure including steel production that could allow local sourcing in due course. A steel cable with suitable corrosion protection will last over 100 years and will be strong enough to support the entire suspension structure and its users safely. Steel is one of the most recycled materials used in construction. The steel used in this design will have a recycled content ~35% or greater, and be 100% reusable by local people and/or recyclable if replaced during maintenance periods.

Interlocking Bamboo Deck Sections

Deck cross beams attached to hemp rope hangers

The hemp rope hanger is tied to a galvanised steel turnbuckle that in turn is bolted to the bamboo deck. This makes the design quick and easy to construct and maintain during its lifetime as well as allowing the structure to be broken down into small sections to allow transport to site by pack animals or local people.

The deck is ~100mm above the highest recorded water line in the wet season significantly reducing the possibility of flood damage. The bridge design also removes all structural elements such as piers from within the river channel preventing these from been washed away during the wet season. The bamboo deck is raised away from soil contact to prevent degradation and optimise material lifetime.

Approaches are to be made by landscaping of the surrounding ground to provide a path to the end of the bridge. These paths will be paved with local stone to prevent damage to the route by livestock providing a durable route that will not become unusable in time due to soil erosion.

Wu Zhi Qiao Bridge Design CompetitionDesign Submission by Chris Jackson and Helen Jackson

Artist’s Impression

Hemp Rope Hanger

Steel Shackle

Interlocking Bamboo Deck Sections

Hemp hanger attaches to steel bolt connection through deck

Steel plate

Bamboo Edge BeamBolted to cross beams

Bamboo deck bolted to edge beams to allow replacement

Deck cross beams attached to hemp rope hangers

Bamboo Cross Beams

Main Steel Cable