Second Da Vinci Bridge Construction Report 

The Da Vinci Timber Bridge project on Narwezu Village Access Road in Lofa, Liberia, efficiently utilizes local materials and high-density Dahoma timber. Constructed in 18 days, the bridge demonstrates structural integrity and cost-effectiveness, supporting pedestrians, tricycles, and motorbikes with minimal deflection and easy maintenance.

Summary:

The Da Vinci Timber Bridge project, located on the Narwezu Village Access Road (VAR) in Wakezu Town, Zorzor District, Lofa, Liberia, is a collaborative effort by the LIDA-R team and independent consultant Eng. Michael Yeah. This construction, part of Swansea University’s Phase 4 Da Vinci bridge testing program, marks the first implementation on a village access road. Spanning 8 meters in length and 2 meters in width, the bridge employs high-density Dahoma timber and local materials, demonstrating efficient use of resources and cost-effectiveness.

The construction process involved hydrological profiling, foundation work, jig formation for precise cutting, and the installation of trusses, ramp beams, guard rails, and decking. Over 18 days, local labor and technical personnel successfully assembled the bridge, which passed static load testing with minimal deflection, proving its structural integrity and suitability for pedestrian, tricycle, and motorbike traffic.

Key advantages of the Da Vinci bridge design include efficient timber use, better freeboard clearance, easy transportation of materials, minimal construction time, and straightforward maintenance. Recommendations for future projects include prepositioning materials, revising worker payment rates, reducing reliance on imported materials, and employing additional power tools. The project highlights the Da Vinci bridge's potential for sustainable and practical infrastructure solutions in rural settings.