Timber footbridges within the Thames catchment are failing. These include Ashford Lane, Temple, Black Potts and Berry Hill. There are others.
I am concerned that the design and construction of the structural connections of these footbridges may have accelerated timber decay and consequently shortened the life of these bridges. I am requesting design drawings and manufacturing/assembly process details of the connection as shown in the attached image. This is the connection where two diagonal braces and a vertical post are simultaneously inserted and secured into the lower horizontal beam (girder). The attached image from an Inspection Report appears to show a number of additional trapezoidal elements [sections or segments] embedded and pegged [with 10mm diameter stainless steel rod] within the connection. Thank you.
