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Further Developments of the Da Vinci Woven Bridging System
PHASE 3. Load Testing Models, Configuration Selection and plan for full scale bridge fabrication

This report on the Da Vinci Woven Bridging System development demonstrates that the new design uses 20% less timber and significantly lighter components than conventional bridges. Scale models performed exceptionally in load tests. Future steps include constructing and testing a full-scale bridge to validate these findings.

Summary:

This report details the third phase of the development of the Da Vinci Woven Bridging System by Swansea University. The objective was to optimize the bridge design, focusing on timber usage, structural performance, and practical application in rural settings. Phase 3 involved fabricating and testing 1:5 scale models of three different bridge configurations to evaluate their load-bearing capacity and structural integrity under both non-destructive and destructive testing. The models demonstrated exceptional performance, withstanding loads between 1.7 to 2.1 tonnes, significantly higher than expected. The study highlights that the Da Vinci bridge uses 20% less timber and the components are significantly lighter than conventional bridges, facilitating easier transport and assembly. The report emphasizes the advantages of using secondary growth timber, which reduces the dependency on mature trees and promotes sustainable practices. The preferred model configuration was identified as the simplest design, proving to be as effective while being easier to construct. Future steps include the construction and testing of a full-scale bridge to validate the findings under real-world conditions, aiming for certification of 'Fit for Purpose' by MPW standards. The report concludes with recommendations for improving milling techniques and connection details for better accuracy and efficiency in bridge construction.

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Author:

James Clarke​

Panagiotis A. Chatziangelakis

Client:

Swansea University

Donor:

Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)

Period:

December 2022

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