What is a Bailey bridge?

Bailey Bridge Latest News

A suspension Bailey bridge over the Teesta river at Sangkalang in the Mangan district of north Sikkim collapsed recently.

About Bailey Bridge

• A Bailey bridge is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge used extensively since World War II, capable of supporting vehicular traffic.
• It was conceptualized and designed by Sir Donald Bailey, UK, in 1941. 
• The characteristics of the Bailey bridge were standardization and simplicity of panels, readiness of assembly in the field, capacity for additional strengthening by doubling or tripling the truss girders, and adaptability to long spans with the aid of pontoons. 
• Bailey bridge assembly covers a small area, which can avoid the situation that large hoisting equipment cannot enter the construction site. 
• The Bailey bridge is limited by its structure and bearing capacity, and the standard length will not exceed 60 meters. 
• Therefore, it is generally used in terrains that span rivers, valleys, and spans that are not very large.

Bailey Bridge FAQs

Q1. Why is it called a Bailey bridge?

Ans. An English civil engineer named Donald Coleman Bailey is credited with inventing it during World War II.

Q2. What is the Bailey bridge principle?

Ans. The Bailey Bridge works on the principle of modular, pre-fabricated, truss-based construction, allowing for quick assembly without heavy machinery.

Q3. What are the disadvantages of the Bailey bridge?

Ans. Bailey Bridges have a limited lifespan, weight restrictions, susceptibility to corrosion, manual assembly challenges, shorter span length, and are not ideal for permanent infrastructure.

Source: TELE