History and development of the 'Kintai-kyo' Bridge

摘要

The Kintai-kyo Bridge is a historically significant bridge in Japan. The Kintai-kyo Bridge over the Nishiki River at Iwakuni was originally constructed in 1673. The ancient bridge of sublime beauty suffered its first complete destruction in the great floods of 1950. The ancient Kintai-kyo Bridge was rebuilt in 1953. The fundamental part of this famed bridge remained intact. The inspection and assessment have been carried out every five years in order to ensure the safety and serviceability of the bridge. Field tests and an inspection of the bridge in 1998 highlighted minor problems, these being water penetration from the roadway above, localized decay of woods. An assessment showed the arch ribs to be slightly deteriorated. In the year 2004 the Kintai-kyo Bridge was rebuilt with a view to a conservation recommendation based on the field tests in 1998.