Academy Arch Bridge

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Leonardo Da Vinci (born in 1452, died in 1519) was undoubtedly one of the most brilliant people of the Renaissance and is widely regarded as one of the most talented people in history. He was not only an exceptionally talented painter, author of such masterpieces as “The Lady with an Ermine” or “The Last Supper”, but also an extremely prolific inventor and innovator. His great talent in this matter was realized on many levels (flying machines, cannons, etc.), including in the field that today could be called civil engineering. A prime example of this is the design of the Arch Bridge, which would be made of wood. Its biggest advantage would be the possibility of rapid erection and relatively low cost. It is worth adding that if it were to be built, it would in fact be a self-supporting bridge of considerable strength. This seemingly simple design also shows Leonardo Da Vinci’s considerable knowledge of the horizontal forces acting on structures and the arc loads on them. He probably acquired his knowledge during his stay in Milan in the years 1487-1489.