Construction of Trail Suspended Bridges in Nepal: An Application of Traditional Technology

At a glance..

This paper will discuss in particular various aspects of the technology of constructing suspended bridges. Of the various means of crossing rivers we have mentioned, suspended bridges have gained wide acceptance and represent the most appropriate technology available in Nepal. Both suspension and suspended bridges are trail bridges; however, the technology used is different.

The details..

'Construction of Trail Suspended Bridges in Nepal' explores how people living in hilly terrain areas had to find ways to cross rivers that cut across valleys and mountains. The book highlights how they developed locally made rope suspended bridges, cable cars, cantilever-type bridges and suspension bridges using traditional technology. This paper focuses on discussing various aspects related to constructing suspended bridges with cables or iron chains.

The author presents a case study on Banglung District's construction project where local skills were utilized for building a large number of low-costsuspended trailbridges.The technical and economic aspects involved are discussed along with their impact on improving social interaction beyond isolated valleys and villages.

Suspended-bridge technology has gained wide acceptance as it represents an appropriate means available for crossing rivers. In this regard, both suspensionand suspendedbridgesaretrailbridges; however,the walkway is sustained by lower cablesinthe latter while upper maincables sustainthewalkwayinthe former.In suspension bridgesthe maincablestakes loadwhilethesuspenders tie upwalkwaysincaseofsuspended ones.Thispaper will help readers understand whytraditionaltechnology was preferred over exotic materialsfor cost-effectiveness.

Overall,this book provides valuable insights into how locals use indigenous knowledgeand practices effectivelyto solve complex problems without relyingon modern technologies.It shows ushow we can learn from them about sustainable development through innovation.