Kedainiai Bridge Scale Model
Shop Experience
Challenge
Recreate an existing bridge as a detailed scale model using both wood and steel. I chose to take on a more ambitious structure, a truss/suspension hybrid, based on the Kėdainiai Wooden Pedestrian Bridge. The complexity of the dual structure pushed my skills in precision building and structural problem-solving.
PLANNING & SETUP
With limited existing documentation, I tracked down technical drawings and online references to reverse-engineer the dimensions. I created technical drawings of all four elevations (side, top, front, bottom) to use as templates for fabrication and assembly.
FABRICATION
The build process was divided into material prep, part cutting, and careful assembly. I cut dozens of small, uniform wooden and steel pieces, then fit and welded or glued them together. Each phase required iterative adjustments to maintain scale accuracy and balance between materials.
The Outcome
A highly detailed scale model of the Kėdainiai Bridge, complete with functioning structural elements and accurate proportions. Compared to others in the class, my model pushed complexity further and became a strong proof point of my fabrication abilities, patience, and design discipline.
CHALLENGES
Tight tolerances and part warping were recurring issues. Variability in metal and wood parts introduced slight misalignments, requiring real-time corrections, bending, trimming, or remaking parts altogether to bring the form back into alignment.
