How would you describe a suspension bridge?

: a bridge that has its roadway suspended from two or more cables usually passing over towers and securely anchored at the ends — see bridge illustration.

How does the structure of a suspension bridge work?

A suspension bridge is one of the most popular bridge designs. It features a cable support system that distributes the weight of the bridge deck between the two towers. The tension forces in the cables are converted to compression forces in the piers that then extends all the way to the ground.

What is the construction of a suspension bridge?

Suspension bridges consist of towers secured by cables that suspend the central structural span or deck. The tower foundations may be constructed using caisson or cofferdam techniques, whilst the cable anchorages can be secured through anchorage tunnels to suitable ground on either end of the bridge.

What is an example of a suspension bridge?

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge stands as a classic example of a suspension bridge. As the name implies, suspension bridges, like the Golden Gate Bridge or Brooklyn Bridge, suspend the roadway by cables, ropes or chains from two tall towers.

What are the advantages of a suspension bridge?

Pros of a Suspension Bridge

• It can span over long distances. Suspension bridges can span anywhere between 2,000 to 13,000 feet, which is farther than any type of bridge can accommodate.
• It is inexpensive to build.
• It is easy to maintain.
• It is incredibly versatile.
• It is aesthetically pleasing.

What are the main parts of a suspension bridge?

The basic structural components of a suspension bridge system include stiffening girders/trusses, the main suspension cables, main towers, and the anchorages for the cables at each end of the bridge.

What is the purpose of a suspension bridge?

A suspension bridge carries vertical loads through curved cables in tension. These loads are transferred both to the towers, which carry them by vertical compression to the ground, and to the anchorages, which must resist the inward and sometimes vertical pull of the cables.

What is the disadvantage of suspension bridge?

Heavy Loads: Flexibility also becomes an obstacle once significant, focused loads are concerned. Suspension bridges do not seem to be usually used for regional rail crossings that carry most weight loads that add dangerous stress to the structure.

What is bad about a suspension bridge?

Disadvantages. Considerable stiffness or aerodynamic profiling may be required to prevent the bridge deck vibrating under high winds. The relatively low deck stiffness compared to other (non-suspension) types of bridges makes it more difficult to carry heavy rail traffic in which high concentrated live loads occur.

What makes a suspension bridge successful?

Suspension bridge, bridge with overhead cables supporting its roadway. Modern suspension bridges are light and aesthetically pleasing and can span longer distances than any other bridge form. They are also among the most expensive bridges to construct.

What are the advantages of suspension bridges?

How much does a suspension bridge cost?

The typical cost of suspension bridges ranges from $8,000 to $9,000 US per square meter. Of all the bridge types in use today, the suspension bridge allows for the longest spans. At first glance the suspension and cable-stayed bridges may look similar, but they are quite different.