Suspension Footbridges

Varies bridge by bridge depending on the locals’ needs and setting. B2P provides an open-source, technical manual about building locally viable, efficient footbridges in rural areas under a variety of topographic and community conditions. The following considerations are sourced from the manual and influence bridge design:

1. Traditional Crossing Point: The bridge site should be selected at or near an existing crossing point
2. Estimated Bridge Span (L): The bridge span for the most common types of bridges designed by B2P are limited to 120m for suspended bridges and 84m for suspension bridges.
3. High Water Level (HWL): absolute highest point noted by the community, including such cases as a hurricane or other large flood events.
4. Approximate height differential (ΔH): elevation difference between the two proposed tower locations. The final design dictates that the height difference between the towers is not more than 4% of the span, but up to 3 meters of additional tiers may be added to equalize differential.
5. Water Table: Determines if the anchor will be submerged or not.

Monitoring and maintenance is provided by local communities that are trained by Bridges to Prosperity. B2P provide communities with the knowledge and tools to evaluate the basics of bridge maintenance. Following project completion, the community and local government are responsible for monitoring their footbridge and performing basic upkeep. Communities are trained and responsible for replacing deck panels and recognizing when additional support may be necessary.

B2P leverages professionals to conduct technical inspections and provide support for upkeep as needed.

No Bridges to Prosperity bridge has failed yet in use. No warranty is issued, as the local communities become the proprietors and are heavily involved in the building and maintenance of the bridge. ^{Interview with representative}

Bridge design and construction follows standard practices and is guided and reviewed by professional, certified engineers. No Bridges to Prosperity bridge has failed yet in use.

Bridge construction and standards are outlined in B2P’s technical manual.