RE THE TURANGANUI BRIDGE

Poverty Bay Independent, Volume I, Issue 5, 4 April 1885, Page 4

RE THE TURANGANUI BRIDGE

To the Editor of the P. B. Independent.

Sir, —Permit me a few lines to point out what appears to be a grave error in the construction of this bridge. There is a portion of the floor or joists fixed, and the decking secured to same, and what appears most unaccountable is, that these floor beams (i2in, x qin.) where they rest on their supports, have four inches cut away, leaving them practically but eight inches deep. There are no pieces bolted to under framing to support these ends, nor are they otherwise secured. If Bln. x qin. floor beams are sufficiently strong, why get I2in. x qin., and cut away a third where they rest ? The diaognal braces fixed beneath the floor beams, presumably to resist lateral vibration, are wretchedly constructed, being neither footed to lower framing or checked above, but depending on bolts. Any practical man can see what is here pointed out, but I think they are few who can suggest a remedy to have the framing as strong as it might have been, without considerable outlay. This is a most important public work, and the above remarks are given in the best spirit. As a rule I deprecate interfering with a professional man in a large undertaking, especially while unfinished ; but this must be taken as an exception, as a large portion of the work has yet to be done, and a stronger system of construction adopted, which would be impossible afterwards.—l am, &c., Vortex.