Atirantados

Atirantados is the term used to describe structures that derive their stability from tension elements, typically cables or tirantes, connected between towers or anchors and the supported deck. The adjective is applied mainly in civil engineering and architecture to systems that use stay cables to resist loads and control deformation.

In bridges, a puentes atirantados consists of one or more towers from which cables fan out and attach to the deck or to segments of the structure. The load is carried primarily by the tirantes, transferring forces to the towers rather than to a main suspended cable. Configurations can be radial, fan-shaped, or a combination, and may involve multiple towers and cross-bracing. The term also covers other structures where cables provide horizontal stability, such as roofs or framed buildings.

Compared with suspension bridges, atirantados typically have shorter spans and a different load path: the deck is supported by cables anchored directly to towers, with less reliance on a continuous hanger system. This leads to advantages such as potentially shorter towers and a distinct architectural expression, but also to higher demands on construction precision and ongoing cable maintenance.

Historically, the atirantado system emerged and evolved in the 20th century and has been adopted worldwide for its balance of efficiency, aesthetics, and span capability. It remains a common choice for medium to long spans where a combination of structural performance and visual impact is desired.