10 Most Famous Suspension Bridges Around the World: Engineering Wonders

10 Most Famous Suspension Bridges Around the World

Here are 10 iconic examples of suspension bridges that define excellence in long-span engineering:

1. Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, Japan

• Length: 3,911 meters
  
  
• The bridge maintains its position as the longest suspension bridge worldwide. The bridge demonstrates exceptional seismic engineering and dynamics because it maintains stability during earthquakes and typhoons.
  
  

2. Golden Gate Bridge, USA

• Length: 2,737 meters
  
  
• The International Orange-colored art deco detailed San Francisco cable suspension bridge is a worldwide symbol.
  
  

3. 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, Turkey

• Length: 4,608 meters
  
  
• The bridge accomplished this milestone when it officially passed the Akashi Kaikyō in 2022 to claim the position of the largest suspension bridge in the world. Modern suspension bridge engineering made a major advancement by creating a bridge that connects Europe and Asia.
  
  

4. Humber Bridge, UK

• Length: 2,220 meters
  
  
• Once the longest in the world, it still remains one of the most iconic parts of a suspension bridge narrative in the UK.
  
  

5. Brooklyn Bridge, USA

• Length: 1,834 meters
  
  
• One of the earliest steel-wire suspension bridges. A historic structure that bridges past engineering with current relevance.
  
  

6. Great Belt Bridge, Denmark

• Length: 6,790 meters (total structure)
  
  
• Not only a longest suspension bridge but also part of Denmark's large infrastructure connecting the islands of Zealand and Funen.
  
  

7. Russky Bridge, Russia

• Length: 1,104 meters (main span)
  
  
• Built for a summit, it now connects Russky Island to the mainland and demonstrates the capabilities of modern suspension bridge materials.
  
  

8. Aizhai Bridge, China

• Height: 350 meters above the ground
  
  
• Holds a record as the highest suspension bridge in the world by vertical distance from the ground. Located in Hunan Province and set against a mountainous backdrop.
  
  

9. Narmada Bridge (Golden Bridge), India

• Location: Gujarat, India
  
  
• Among the oldest India's longest suspension bridge examples, connecting Ankleshwar to Bharuch. Though smaller in scale, it plays a key regional role.
  
  

10. Black Suspension Bridge, USA

• Location: Grand Canyon National Park
  
  
• Known for its historical relevance, the Black Suspension Bridge remains an enduring structure for hikers and conservationists.
  
  

These top 10 longest suspension bridges in the world represent engineering milestones achieved with evolving materials, simulations, and design standards.

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Types of Suspension Bridges

Knowing the types of suspension bridge works differently regarding the distribution of loads through a physical understanding of its structure:

1. Simple Suspension Bridge

Bridges that use traditional ropes or cables contain no stiffening components. This bridge type functions as a pedestrian crossing in quiet countryside areas.

2. Stiffened Suspension Bridge

The deck receives additional support by placing vertical stiffening trusses or girders for stabilizing purposes. Vehicles use these bridge design types throughout their networks.

3. Self-Anchored Suspension Bridge

The bridge deck anchors the main cables directly instead of from the ground, thus tension works inwards toward the structure.

4. Hybrid Suspension-Cable-Stayed Bridge

This bridge type merges key aspects between cable-stayed and suspension systems while minimizing loading requirements and expenses.

The selection method depends on several factors, including span length, deck load and terrain, and material technology availability. Further information about the bridge project's structural simulation is available in 7 Common Types of Architecture Simulations for Sustainable Design.

Engineering Logic Behind Suspension Bridges

Suspension bridges are primarily designed to handle tensile forces, where the main cables bear the deck load and transfer it to the anchorage and towers. The essential parts of a suspension bridge include:

Suspension bridges use a design focusing on tensile forces because the main cables receive deck loads that travel to the anchorage and towers. The fundamental parts of a suspension bridge consist of:

• Main Cables: The main cables extend from anchorage points to anchorage points to carry loads through tension.
  
  
• Suspender Cables: Suspender cables, which drop from main cables, sustain the deck loading.
  
  
• Towers: These main components absorb weight from above and transmit this downward magnitude to the base foundation.
  
  
• Deck: Carries vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
  
  
• Anchorage: Holds the cables in place at both ends.
  
  

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