Hängebrücken

Hängebrücken, also known as suspension bridges, are a type of bridge in which the deck is hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders. The main suspension cables are supported by towers, and anchored at each end. This design allows for very long spans between supports.

The earliest forms of suspension bridges, often made of vines or bamboo, were developed in ancient China and later in South America, particularly by the Inca civilization. These early structures were primarily used for crossing rivers and canyons. Modern suspension bridges, utilizing steel cables and concrete decks, emerged in the 19th century.

Key components of a suspension bridge include the main suspension cables, which carry the primary load, the towers that support the cables, the anchorages that secure the cables to the ground, and the suspenders or hangers that connect the deck to the main cables. The deck itself can be made of various materials, often steel or concrete.

The structural principles of a suspension bridge allow it to efficiently span large distances. The tension in the main cables distributes the load to the towers and anchorages. This makes them ideal for crossing wide bodies of water or deep valleys where intermediate supports are impractical. Famous examples include the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan, which held the record for the longest central span for many years. Suspension bridges are renowned for their elegant appearance and their ability to overcome significant geographical obstacles.