Covered Bridge Exhibit Returning!

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition: Covered bridges: Spanning the American Landscapes, is scheduled for Troy, Miami County, May 4 - June 29, 2008. For up-to-date information goto http://troyhayner.org/

This is the exhibit that was presented in Preble County last summer so this is your second chance if you missed it or want to see it again.

OHBA Website Adds Online Shopping

The OHBA website has added an online store so that members and supporters can purchase clothing or other items that display this OHBA logo. Proceeds go to support the OHBA.

The graphic of the John Bright bridges was drawn by Richard A Wood and has been utilized previously in several of the association'a publications. It is hoped that broader display of this logo will help promote membership and the goals of the OHBA.

Free Software Lets You Design a Truss Bridge

Download the award-winning West Point Bridge Designer from the US Military Academy web site at http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/ . The goal is to design a bridge having the lowest possible cost that will stand up to a load test with a simulated truck. Get it wrong and the bridge collapses! You can submit your design over their web site to see how it stands up to others.

My first attempt (pictured) at an estimated cost of ~ $189k placed a little better than average in the open competition. The best I've done so far with a Warren deck design is $146k. Can you beat it? It's more fun than "space invaders" and you actually learn what it takes to make a strong bridge.

Don Prusha's Covered Bridge Update #2

Photos: Don Prusha, 2007

Don Prusha started building this bridge on his property in Geauga County at the beginning of summer 2006. He sent me these update photos to show work has now progressed to the point where its ready for the 1in. by 10in. hardwood roof boards and shake shingles. The 8in. by 15in. laminated maple arches will go between the uprights on either side and be anchored into the bottom chord at each end. He hopes to resume in the spring.

Good News for the Historic Mill Road Bowstring

Photo: 1/2007 rj
SFN 4236157

The Mount Vernon News reports 11/30/07 that the Mt. Vernon City Council hope to get the historic bowstring truss bridge, which spans Wakatomika Creek, moved this winter. The bridge, located outside of Bladensburg, will be relocated to Foundation Park where it will be incorporated into the park’s trail system.

This is very good news after the destruction of the Howard Bridge, which was also in Licking County (see earlier).