Scoil Bhride pupils learn about bridges from Murphy Surveys

As part of Engineers Week 2019 and to mark the 700th anniversary of the first bridge in Kilcullen, Murphy Surveys yesterday hosted a Bridge Discovery Workshop for 5th class pupils at Scoil Bhride.

Presented by Paraic Quirke, Engineering and Research Manager at Murphy Surveys, the Workshop was organised to support the teaching of STEM in schools, to educate pupils and encourage discussion about the structure of the historical local bridge.

Built in 1319, the bridge connects the town across the River Liffey and to commemorate the 700-year anniversary, the team at Murphy Surveys digitally documented the structure using the latest UAV survey technology.

Pupils learned about different bridge types and materials and discovered how the stone arch structure has been developed over the years, more recently with a reinforced concrete beam structure added during widening works carried out in the early 1970s.

The interactive session also gave the pupils a chance to build their own bridges and test load capacity.

There was great excitement as one of the company's fully trained and licensed UAV pilots was on hand to capture some aerial footage of the school and show the students a UAV operating on the grounds.

Learn more about Engineers Week at www.engineersweek.ie.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy