Manually portable structural apparatus comprising a rigid structural element configured to be releasably coupled to at least one other like rigid structural element. A bearer element having a substantially planar upper face extends between first and second elongate side beams, which each have a first connector arrangement at a first end thereof and a second connector arrangement at the second end thereof the first and second connector arrangements providing a two-part releasable, mechanical, coupling arrangement. The first and second elongate side beams are configured to provide first and second side walls extending upwardly from the upper face of the bearer element. Use of a rigid structural element as part of a short gap crossing and as part of a stretcher. A rigid structural element in which the bearer element defines foot receiving apertures therethrough and use thereof as part of a ladder. A rigid structural element comprising carbon fibre.
