ヴィクトリア時代における都市交通基盤の技術革新に果たしたブルネル父子の技術史的考察(OS.9 機械技術史・工学史)

Abstract

This paper deals with the urban traffic infrastructures developed by two Brunels, Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849), and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel (IKB, 1806-1859). They are admired as the great Victorian engineers in England, especially IKB played leading role in the transport revolution of the 19th century. Marc bored the Thames Tunnel with his son, applying his tunneling techniques patented. IKB designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge, over the River Avon in Bristol. Meanwhile, in March 1833 he was appointed their chief engineer of the Great Western Railway (GWR) and his work began with the line that linked London to Bristol. IKB adopted the broad gauge in the whole GWR lines. He also constructed a network of tunnels, bridges and viaducts for the GWR. He laid down three large steamships to cross the Atlantic. His many works are still in use, which are not only urban traffic infrastructures but also technological heritages in the Victorian age.