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A TYPICAL CABLE STAY BRIDGE | |
V. Ryan © 2006 - 2024 | |
A scientific understanding of the properties of
modern materials and the availability of computer software have made it
possible to construct new types of bridges. A typical cable stay bridge
can be seen below. These are modern bridges designed using computer
aided design (CAD). Bridge designers are now able to design a bridge on
computer, simulate its use and correct any faults before building
begins. Modern materials, especially special steels are used to
construct this type of bridge. This means that bridges can be made from
lighter, stronger materials and engineered precisely. Today materials
are used efficiently. |
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Unlike suspension bridges, cable stay bridges do not
need anchor blocks. The cables are fixed to either side of each tower -
this means that the weight of each side of the bridge counter balances
the opposite side. |
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Two well known cable stay bridges can be found in France. The ‘Le Pont de Normandie’, can be found in Normandy, Northern France. This was once the longest cable stay bridge in the world. However, this engineering feat has been surpassed in dramatic style by the opening of the Millau Bridge in Southern France. This cable stay bridge is the highest bridge in the world, with its deck almost at the same height as the Eiffel Tower. |
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THE FACTS | |
A Cable Stay Bridge has a deck that is directly supported by the cables, each fixed to the towers at a slightly different angle. Each cable transfers the vertical loads to the towers, produced when supporting the deck. The weight of the deck is held initially by the towers, with the weight distributed through the cables. The ‘abutments’ at each end of the bridge hold the entire structure in position, transferring the ‘loads’ from the bridge to the ground. Cable Stay Bridges are usually less expensive to manufacture and construct than suspension bridges. Their cantilever design requires less material, but it does have one disadvantage (see next point). Due to the nature of their design, cable stay bridges are suited to small to medium spans, rather than long spans. The Cable Stay design is regarded as more modern looking, due to its straight lines and angles. |
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FAMOUS CABLE STAY BRIDGES | |
Russky Bridge (Russia) - Spanning 1,104 metres. Sutong Yangtze River Bridge (China) - With a main span of 1,088 metres Stonecutters Bridge (Hong Kong) - This bridge has a main span of 1,018 metres Tatara Bridge (Japan) - Spanning 890 metres, Normandy Bridge (France) - With a main span of 856 metres. |
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