Types of suspension bridges
A suspension bridge supports its structural load with cables, ropes, or chains anchored at each end. Cables on the earliest suspension bridges were anchored in the ground; some modern suspension bridges anchor the cables to the ends of the bridge itself. Earliest suspension bridges had no towers or piers but the majority of larger modern suspension bridges have them.[1] All of the 14 longest bridges in the world are suspension bridges.
Types
Types of suspension bridge include:
| Simple suspension bridge: the earliest known type of suspension bridge, and usually a footbridge. The deck is flexible and lies on the main cables, which are anchored to the earth. | 
|
| Underspanned suspension bridge: an early 19th-century descendant of the simple suspension bridge. The deck is raised on posts above the main cables. | 
|
| Stressed ribbon bridge: a modern descendant of the simple suspension bridge. The deck lies on the main cables, but is stiff, not flexible. | 
|
| Suspension bridge (more precisely, suspended-deck suspension bridge): the most familiar type. Though technically all the types listed here are suspension bridges, when unqualified with adjectives the term commonly refers to a suspended-deck suspension bridge. This type is suitable for use by heavy vehicles and light rail. The main cables are anchored to the earth. The deck is carried below the main cables by "suspenders" and usually is stiff. | 
|
| Self-anchored suspension bridge: a modern descendant of the suspension bridge, combining elements of a cable-stayed bridge. The main cables are anchored to the ends of the decks. | 
|
| Taper suspension bridge: a 19th century variant of the suspension bridge where the suspenders pull at an angle to the ground, nearly tangent with the main cable | 
|
A pure suspension bridge is one without additional stay cables and in which the main cables are anchored in the ground.[2] This includes most simple suspension bridges and suspended-deck suspension bridges, and excludes self-anchored suspension bridges.
Hybrid types
Some suspension bridges are of unusual hybrid types. Among these are suspension bridges that have an "intermediate deck".
The
Construction
Unlike other types of bridge, suspension bridges can usually be built without use of falsework or even any access from below the bridge. In many cases, the main cables are constructed first, often with a pilot cable. Construction then proceeds by hanging components and equipment from the main cables. The articles about each type of bridge have further specific construction details.
Suspension bridges are suitable for the longest spans, provided the cables and their anchorage are of sufficient strength. Their construction cost is high, so usually they are less economical than other bridges for spans less than 1,000 ft (300 m). However, shorter spans have been constructed for aesthetic reasons.
All types of suspension bridges have less
See also
- Simple suspension bridge § Living bridges (bridges made of living plants)
- Cable-stayed bridge
- Floating suspension bridge
References
- ISBN 3-7643-1929-1.
- ^ ISBN 0-07-143218-3. page 15.7
- ^ ISBN 0-7277-3215-3. pages 517-520
- ^ a b James D. Cooper (July–August 1998). "World's Longest Suspension Bridge Opens in Japan". Public Roads. 62.
External links
- "Suspension bridge" Encyclopædia Britannica
| Structural types |
|  |
|---|---|---|
| Lists of bridges by type | ||
| Lists of bridges by size | ||
| Additional lists | ||
| Related | ||
If an internal link incorrectly led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.