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A small existing bridge in the village of Yoewa, Myanmar, had become dilapidated. It was also prone to become inundated at times of river flood due to its low profile over the river. A new bridge was required which gave more water clearance, gave a safe and multi-purpose crossing, and resulted in an elegant addition to the village landscape.

New bridge piers were designed by others. SE set about designing a superstructure in steel so that material produced by the Korean sponsor of the project, POSCO could be manufactured in Pusan and shipped to the site in transport-friendly blocks.

The design uses four V-stiffened cantilever beams that could be lifted in place from the banks and simply bolted together at the centre with a pin-type joint. Secondary cross-beams between the main beams, connect the whole structure together and serve as supports for the steel grating ‘K-deck’, a standard POSCO product. The bridge was constructed simply and cheaply, and has proved very popular in the village.

TRANSPORTATION