V.Ryan © 2024
The bridge below has two cantilever structures that meet in the middle (based on the Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland). A design like this means that cantilever bridges can span long distances, without additional support in the centre. In addition, many cantilever bridges are composed of triangulated structures which give additional strength. They are capable of supporting heavy loads (traffic).
The ideal building materials are steel for the main triangulated structure and stone / concrete for the towers.
Below are photographs of the Forth Rail Bridge, Firth of Forth, Scotland, designed by Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker and opened in 1890. It is world famous, not only because it is a magnificent structure, but because it is an excellent example of a cantilever bridge. It was the first major structure in the UK to be manufactured from steel. The engineers faced many obstacles including the precise manufacture of the components, their transport to the construction site and assembly, often at great height.
2467 metres in length.
110 metres in height.
521 metres at its longest span.
Over 4,000 workers contributed to the building the Forth Rail Bridge.
73 Workers lost their lives during its construction
Quebec Bridge - Canada - 1919 - total length 987 metres.
Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) - total length 705 metres.
Minato Bridge - Japan - total length - 983 metres.
Sanguantang Bridge - China - total length 2200 metres.
Tokyo Gate Bridge - Japan- 2618 metres