Punakha Timber Bridge, Bhutan

Reconstruction of a historic cantilever bridge that was destroyed by a flood in 1968. Despite the span being increased from 35 m to 50 m as a result of the flood, the bridge was rebuilt as a classic cantilever bridge typical of the Himalayan region, without visible steel components and using local timber.

Reconstruction of Punakha Timber Bridge, Bhutan

The structure was optimized and developed for local capabilities regarding technology, building materials, and component dimensions, so that only a few steel components and the threaded rods for connecting the individual beam layers had to be imported.

The structural engineering was prepared by WG and implemented by local site management and contractors. Only a three-week support visit took place at the start of the timber structure assembly.

Details

Realisation

2001 through 2008

Owner

Royal Government of Bhutan

Architect

Fritz Baumgartner, Bhutan

Task

Complete structural engineering from design through execution, including timber construction shop drawings, concrete, steel, and timber construction plans