Metallurgy of Bridges

Bridges are by their by nature huge structures, and from ancient times, iron and steel have been the primary building blocks. The renowned Iron Bridge in England, finished in 1779, is well known to engineers and historians (see Figure 1, reproduced from Nicholson1829). This bridge appears to be the earliest iron arch bridge (Kostof 1985). While some think Watt's steam engine in 1784 was the primary catalyst for the Industrial Revolution, others contend that the construction of this bridge was the pivotal event. Perhaps both made contributions together, enhancing their effect through synergy. From a metallurgical standpoint, Abraham Darby's use of coke for the manufacture of pig iron in 1709 marks a significant advancement that made it possible to build the Iron Bridge and sped up the development of the British steel industry (Cossons and Trinder).  Bridges are by their by nature huge structures, and from ancient times, iron and steel have been the primary building blocks. The renowned Iron Bridge in England, finished in 1779, is well known to engineers and historians (see Figure 1, reproduced from Nicholson1829). This bridge appears to be the earliest iron arch bridge (Kostof 1985). While some think Watt's steam engine in 1784 was the primary catalyst for the Industrial Revolution, others contend that the construction of this bridge was the pivotal event. Perhaps both made contributions together, enhancing their effect through synergy. From a metallurgical standpoint, Abraham Darby's use of coke for the manufacture of pig iron in 1709 marks a significant advancement that made it possible to build the Iron Bridge and sped up the development of the British steel industry (Cossons and Trinder).