Existing Historical Foundation System of Two Old Bridges from the Ottoman Period in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Authenticity evaluation of cultural and historical buildings is one of the most important elements of their categorisation. Therefore, on the occasion of rehabilitation or reconstruction it is necessary to give special consideration to the correct assessment of state of existing foundation construction. Literature on historical foundations is very scarce comparing with literature on other structural elements, leading to a situation where engineers are seldom familiar with the problem. This paper provides description and more detailed research on foundations of two masonry arch bridges dating from the Ottoman period in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Old Bridge over the River Neretva in Konjic and Old Bridge over the River Drina in Visegrad. Upon examination on the spot, it has been established that both bridges have similar foundations i.e. multi-layered timber grillage.