Wendel Bollman

Wendel Bollman (January 21, 1814 – 1884) was an American self-taught civil engineer, best known for his iron railway bridges.

Bollman began working on a new truss configuration for iron bridges, and in 1849 Latrobe found it acceptable for use on two of the B&O's shorter spans.

This would become his most famous bridge and was rebuilt many times using his system during the American Civil War (it came under frequent enemy fire).

Although abstract theory was often used to design bridges during this time period, Bollman used math and modeling instead.

His companies built bridges in Cuba, Mexico, and Chile, as well as the eastern United States.

New technologies for making inexpensive steel in the late 19th century made its use in railroad bridges practical.

He may be said to be a true representative of the transitional period between intuitive and exact engineering.The Old Rakaia Gorge Bridge in New Zealand's South Island from 1882 utilized the Bollman truss design and is registered as a Category I heritage item with Heritage New Zealand.