SKINNERS SWAMP: A NEW BRIDGE

This paper provides an overview of the design and construction of Skinners Swamp Bridge, a timber bridge completely rebuilt in 1990 using innovative and experimental techniques. These techniques arose either as a direct result of the Timber Bridge Maintenance Study, or were motivated by the progress of the study. The bridge illustrates that, if due care is taken to detail structures appropriately, to correctly protect, waterproof, and pre-treat timber members, then the hardwoods of Australia are still able to compete with other modern engineering materials on the basis of cost and structural performance. This knowledge has implications for the future of timber bridges in Australia, both for the longer term maintenance philosophies of these structures and for the options available for replacement of small rural bridges.