Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia "Leonardo da Vinci"

versione italiana
enter the Leonardo section

Parabolic bridge

the museum model
"I will build extremely light and strong bridges, which will be easy to transport and will serve to chase enemies or run from them. And I will also build secure and invulnerable bridges, easy to be placed and removed"

This one span bridge has a parabolic profile and is secured to one of the two banks with a large vertical hinge. It is moved with ropes and hoists, aided by wheels or metal rollers that facilitate the sliding motion. It is also equipped with a counterweight tank, which balances the structure and helps manoeuvres when the bridge is suspended before being laid down on the opposite bank.

the museum model the museum model Codex Atlanticus, sheet 855 Codex Atlanticus, sheet 855
1480-90