Bailey truss

Sir Donald Coleman Bailey (1901-1985) was a civil engineer from Yorkshire who invented the Bailey Bridge. He studied at The Leys School in Cambridge and at Sheffield University. He was knighted in 1946 in recognition of his bridge design. Bailey was a modeler, and presented a model of his temporary bridge design to his superiors in the British War Office, who saw some potential for his idea. The prototype Bailey Bridge was assembled in 1943 and remains in place today. The Bailey Bridge uses modular components that can easily be carried in trucks and do not require cranes for assembly. Although they look dainty, a Bailey Bridge is capable of carrying large vehicles, such as tanks. The first military installation occured in Italy in 1943, and production was ramped up for use during and after D-Day.

The US Army licensed the bridge design and began to use it during the war. Postwar, surplus Bailey Bridge components were sold for private and public use. Several examples of extant Bailey Bridges are shown below.

The secret to the strength of the Bailey Bridge is the 10' panels that use X bracing for strength. Additional strength can be added to a bridge by simply clamping more panels to the extant bridge.

Psst! Hey, Buddy! Ya wanna buy a bridge? Bailey bridges are available from Bailey Bridges, Incorporated in Fort Payne, Alabama. http://www.baileybridge.com/bailey_bridges_02.html