Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Suspension bridges have always been a marvel of engineering, providing mankind with the ability to cross over massive water bodies and vast valleys. These types of bridges are supported by cables suspended from tall towers anchored onto solid rock structures. They are known for their aesthetic appeal and impressive spans. In this article, we will be exploring the top ten longest suspension bridges across the world.
The Akashi Kaikyo bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, is the longest suspension bridge in the world. This bridge is located in Kobe, Japan, and crosses over the busy Akashi Strait. It has a length of 3.9 kilometers and was completed in 1998. Its two main towers stand at a height of 298 meters above sea level. The bridge can withstand winds of up to 80 meters per second and earthquakes up to magnitude 8.5.
The Xihoumen Bridge is the second-longest suspension bridge in the world, located in Zhejiang Province, China. It spans across the East China Sea and has a length of 2.6 kilometers. The bridge's towers reach a height of 209 meters above sea level, and it can withstand winds of up to 250 kilometers per hour.
The Great Belt Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects two Danish islands, Funen and Zealand, spanning over the Great Belt strait. It has a length of 6.8 kilometers and was opened to the public in 1998. The bridge stands at a height of 254 meters and can withstand winds of up to 320 kilometers per hour.
The Yi Sun-Sin Bridge is located in South Korea and crosses the Yeosu-Cheonan highway. It has a length of 2.3 kilometers and is named after a famous Korean naval general. It stands at a height of 230 meters and can withstand winds of up to 65 meters per second.
The Runyang Yangtze River Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges located in China. It spans over the Yangtze River and has a length of 35.66 kilometers. The bridge's two towers are 215 meters tall, and it can withstand winds of up to 80 meters per second.
The Humber Bridge is located in the UK, spanning over the Humber River. It has a length of 2.2 kilometers and stands at a height of 155 meters. The bridge was opened to the public in 1981 and can withstand winds of up to 144 kilometers per hour.
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is located in New York City and spans over the Narrows Strait. It has a length of 4.2 kilometers and stands at a height of 211 meters. The bridge was opened in 1964 and can withstand winds of up to 129 kilometers per hour.
The Tsing Ma Bridge is located in Hong Kong and has a length of 2.2 kilometers. It spans over the Ma Wan Channel and stands at a height of 206 meters. The bridge was opened in 1997 and can withstand winds of up to 290 kilometers per hour.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized bridges globally, located in San Francisco, California. It spans over the Golden Gate strait and has a length of 1.7 kilometers. The bridge was opened to the public in 1937 and stands at a height of 227 meters. It can withstand winds of up to 100 miles per hour.
The Mackinac Bridge is located in Michigan and spans over the Straits of Mackinac. It has a length of 8 kilometers and stands at a height of 168 meters. The bridge was opened in 1957 and can withstand winds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
A. The longest suspension bridge in the world is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge located in Japan, with a length of 3.9 kilometers.
A. China has the most suspension bridges globally, with over 28,000.
A. A suspension bridge is supported by cables that hang from towers, while a cable-stayed bridge is supported by cables attached to a large central tower.
A. Suspended bridges are constructed by building tall towers on either side of the water body or valley they will span. Large cables are then strung between the towers and anchored firmly into the rock. Smaller cables are hung from the larger ones to create the roadway, which is then paved.
A. It took four years to construct the Golden Gate Bridge, from 1933 to 1937.
A. Engineers use computer simulations and physical testing to ensure that the bridge can withstand various conditions, including wind and earthquakes. The materials used to construct the bridge are also tested for durability and strength.
A. Yes, it is safe to cross a suspension bridge as long as it is well-maintained and constructed according to safety standards. Most suspension bridges have safety mechanisms in place, such as handrails and emergency walkways, to ensure the safety of travelers.
A. Suspension bridges are designed to flex and sway during an earthquake. The cables that support the bridge are made of materials that can withstand earthquakes, such as steel or carbon fiber. The towers that support the cables are also designed to withstand the forces of an earthquake.
A. Yes, suspension bridges can be used for heavy traffic. In fact, most of the suspension bridges on this list were built to accommodate vehicular traffic as well as pedestrian traffic. Some suspension bridges can also accommodate trains.
A. The lifespan of a suspension bridge depends on several factors, including the materials used to build it and the level of maintenance it receives. On average, a suspension bridge can last between 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance.
A. Yes, suspension bridges can be built in areas with strong currents or high winds using advanced engineering techniques and materials.
A. Yes, there are plans to build longer suspension bridges in the future. Many countries are investing in infrastructure projects that will include the construction of suspension bridges, among other types of bridges, in order to improve transportation and commerce.
A. The most dangerous thing about crossing a suspension bridge is falling off the bridge. To prevent falling or slipping, travelers should obey posted rules, use handrails, and wear appropriate footwear.
Suspension bridges continue to be an awe-inspiring feat of engineering, providing a means for people and vehicles to cross vast expanses of water and land. The bridges mentioned in this article are just a few examples of how science and technology have enabled us to bridge the gap between seemingly impenetrable structures. Thanks to their functionality and architectural appeal, suspension bridges will continue to be a vital part of our transportation infrastructure well into the twenty-first century.
