SAVE THE ICONIC SHAW BRIDGE

Abstract
In 1841, the American engineer, Squire Whipple, patented a bowstring truss iron bridge for the enlarged Erie Canal (1836-1862) and similar waterways, especially in New York State. His design was the first to use scientific principles, published in his seminal 1847 book: “A Work on Bridge Building.” For the first time in the world, this book presented the correct methods of analyzing and designing safe, durable, and economical truss bridges. Of the hundreds of original Whipple Bowstring Truss bridges built, only eight are known to survive (and recently four new bridges, inspired by the Whipple Bowstring design, were built in Buffalo, New York State). Two of the surviving Whipple bowstring truss bridges are special. One is in Japan, originally built in 1878 by Souichiro Matsmoto (who had attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York State, from 1871 to 1876). This bridge was later moved to the Fukagawa Hachiman Shrine, Tokyo and renamed the Hachiman Bridge. As the first iron bridge entirely constructed by Japanese builders it is an important Japanese cultural property. Another special example of a Whipple Bowstring is the Shaw Bridge over the Claverack Creek about two hours north of New York City. Built by John D. Hutchinson in 1870, it is the only double span and the only one not relocated. Neglected for 30 years, the Shaw Bridge is in remarkably good original condition (except for the replaced wooden deck) and will be restored according to original specifications. This paper argues that the restored Shaw Bridge should be eligible for World Heritage Status

Download Eight Page Full Paper (5.1MB PDF). Paper was successfully peer reviewed but withdrawn because of the Pandemic.