Humber Bridge

by NymphAngel Mon 06 Jun 2011, 12:17 am

The Humber Bridge in Humber England is the fourth largest single span suspension bridge around the world, making it one of the longest bridges in the world. It spans over the second largest water barrier in England, names River Humber Estuary (the estuary formed by the rivers Trent and Ouse) between Barton-upon-Humber on the south bank and Hessle on the north bank, connecting the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

This bridge is the perfect example of great engineering. As such, discussions for its construction took a long time. It was expected to be constructed in 1872; however, it was approved by the government in the 19h century. Originally, the plans were crafted in the year 1930, revised in 1955, still construction work didn’t started. It was July 26, 1972 when the construction actually got a kick-start and bridge got completed by 1981. Officially, on the 17th of July, 1981 it was inaugurated by the queen and thus bridge arms got spread to cater the needs of common people on the 24th of June, 1981.

Humber Bridge lies in the category of suspension bridges with a center span of 1420 meters (i.e. 4626ft) that ruled the charts of the longest suspension bridge in the world for over 14 years. Apart from the main span, side span adds 800 meters to the Humber connection. With a total length of 7,283 feet (2220 meters), it is suspended between two towers that rise 500 feet (152 meters) high in the sky.

by NymphAngel Mon 06 Jun 2011, 12:07 am

Japan greatest engineering feet, Akashi Kaikyo, is a landmark in the history of bridges. It is world’s largest suspension bridge that has a record main span of 1991 meters. It took 10 years of hardcore struggle to get to build this excellent piece of engineering and April 5, 1998 was the day when it was officially inaugurated.

The other name for Akashi Kaikyo is pearl bridge that very well suits the concept. In comparison with other bridges, it is by far the most magnificent piece of architecture. Being constructed in 110 meter- deep water with tidal current of 4.5 meters per second, it was quiet challenging. Moreover, wind speed of 80 meters per second was a lot more to bear for the bridge. All these and earthquake of 8.5 magnitude at rector scale, were well kept in mind to form a safe and secured base for this bridge.

The name Akashi Kaikyo is derived from the geological site of the bridge. Basically, the site includes layered alluvium and diluvium deposits over what is called Akashi or Kobe layer. Getting onto its features would definitely provide you a man-made miracle. The main span being 1990 meters is supported by two side spans of 960 meters each. This bridge links city of Kobe with Awaji-Shima Island with a record length of 3,911 meters.

However, the construction of such a massive structure was not a child’s play. It took 2 million workers, 10 years, 181000 tonnes of steel, and 1.4 million cubic meters of concrete and whole lot of expert’s brain to have the way it is. Akashi Kaikyo has six lanes witnessing millions of people passing thereby.

Construction of Akashi Kaikyo was a challenge for engineers. To bear the fast swirling tidal currents in the narrow strait the foundations were securely laid in 60 ft under water, on the seabed. To do this, huge steel cylinder with a diameter of about 80 meter, stretching its height to 70 meters was sunk to the bottom of sea. It was through this cylinder, concrete was poured to form a solid base for this heavy, massive structure.

Also, this structure was designed and tested in a large-scale wind tunnel to ensure that it will withstand with the wind flows and water currents including massive earthquakes.

>>>>>WORLD'S LONGEST BRIDGES.

Humber Bridge

>>>>>WORLD'S LONGEST BRIDGES.