As engineers, we often complain that the work of engineers is often overlooked in the history of human development.

Historians then point to the lack of source materials for them to work with. They are not really interested in the technical aspects of artefacts such as tools, bridges, machines, electrical supplies and so on. However, they are really interested in the people who created those artefacts, how they were used and how they influenced the behaviour of people at the time.

This is why recording and preserving our engineering heritage is so important. I started volunteering with the engineering heritage community of Western Australia last year, and the further I get into it, the more fascinating it is becoming.

Here is a recent achievement, even though it is work-in-progress: a detailed account of the construction of the Narrows Bridges in Perth.  

While any large bridge is an impressive artefact, it’s easy to lose sight of the personal stories behind it. Working on a large bridge, particularly one in a prominent location like these ones in front of the city, is an aspirational goal for any civil engineer. However, the high-pressure realities and psychological stresses involved in bridge design and construction can be a rude awakening. Some engineers walk away with psychological scars lasting decades.

These bridges were not only large bridges in a prominent location. The two road bridges were the first of a kind. When completed in 1959, the first Narrows Bridge was the longest and most slender pre-stressed concrete arch bridge in the world. Even today, the economic use of concrete and steel is remarkable. The second Narrows Bridge, a near identical duplicate of the first, was the first and possibly the only arched bridge to have been launched incrementally from one side to the other. Attempting a first-of-its-kind bridge in full view of sceptical peers only adds to the nervous tension. Every day you wonder, have they seen something wrong that we haven’t noticed yet. Add to that the financial pressure, knowing that your firm likely chose to take a loss to boost the chances of winning such a prestigious project.

Many of the personal stories from these bridges are still to be recorded. The material already online is just a start. As we gather more information from the engineers who took part in these projects we will add their photographs, videos and recollections to this account. Volunteers in our group have also created an impressive set of engineering biographies and engineering heritage walking tours.

Another aspect of engineering heritage is the preservation of artefacts for future generations to enjoy, often called heritage engineering. How best to repair and refurbish historical structures or even old domestic appliances so they last for centuries to come. If you want to learn more, we are running an introductory course next January and February with a two day face-to-face workshop at the historical Artillery Museum in Fremantle. Enrol here by December 6 to qualify for a $100 discount.

Heritage engineers can also write about the technical achievements that don’t really interest most historians. Please think of joining us in this effort to make sure that engineering achievements are not forgotten, no matter where you are. We can help you get started.