Sage-Tips

How do suspension bridges use tension?

Introduction of Bridge Engineering The main forces in a suspension bridge are tension in the cables and compression in the towers. The weight is transferred by the cables to the towers, which in turn transfer the weight to the anchorages on both ends of the bridge, then finally to the ground.

What makes a suspension bridge strong?

This is because the bridge deck, or roadway, is supported from above using tension in the cables and compression in the towers rather than just from bases. Suspension bridges are also less rigid, so they can better withstand outside forces, such as earthquakes. See what kind of bridges you can find in your area.

How is a suspension bridge designed and constructed?

In the case of suspension bridges, towers are built atop the caissons. The early suspension-bridge towers were stone, but now they are either steel or concrete. Next, the anchorages are built on both ends, usually of reinforced concrete with embedded steel eyebars to which the cables will be fastened.

Why is Golden Gate Bridge a suspension bridge?

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge, meaning it relies on cables and suspenders under tension along with towers under compression to cross a long distance without any intermediate supports. The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, opened in 1883, was the first to use steel cables, which then became standard.

How it works engineering bridges to handle stress?

So, how do designers go about engineering bridges to compensate for this gravitational pull? Compression and tension are carefully balanced by channeling the bridge’s load onto the abutments (the supports on either end of the bridge) and the piers (the supports underneath the bridge).

What is a major problem for suspension bridges?

1. Suspension bridges can struggle to support focused heavy weights. The goal of a suspension bridge is to continually transfer the tension and weight of traffic as it moves along the span. All of the cables work together to make this happen, but there is an upper weight tolerance that one must consider.

Why do suspension bridges move?

Suspension bridges are designed to be flexible. They will move vertically (up and down) and laterally (side to side, like a swing) to accommodate wind, change in temperature or load (the weights placed upon them). A suspension bridge that was not flexible would break very quickly!

How does the Golden Gate Bridge work?

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge, meaning it relies on cables and suspenders under tension along with towers under compression to cross a long distance without any intermediate supports.

What are the main forces in a suspension bridge?

The main forces in a suspension bridge are tension in the cables and compression in the towers. The deck, which is usually a truss or a box girder, is connected to the suspension cables by vertical suspender cables or rods, called hangers, which are also in tension.

How do the trusses of a bridge support the structure?

The trusses handle both tension and comprehension, with the diagonal ones in tension and the vertical ones in compression. An arch bridge supports loads by distributing compression across and down the arch.

What is the difference between a suspension bridge and cable-stayed bridge?

The towers (piers) of a suspension bridge are in compression and the deck hangs from cables that are in tension. The deck itself is in both tension and compression. A cable-stayed bridge is similar to a suspension bridge. However, the deck hangs directly from the piers on cables. The piers are in compression and the cables are in tension.

What is the difference between suspension bridge and arch bridge?

An arch bridge supports loads by distributing compression across and down the arch. The structure is always pushing in on itself. The towers (piers) of a suspension bridge are in compression and the deck hangs from cables that are in tension.