Question

Explain why suspension bridges are
preferred over simply supported girder
bridges.​

Answer 1

Answer:

There are many reasons and each scenario that requires a bridge may use different reasons. Commonly, suspension or cable stay bridges are used when the span is too great for any other form. Extensive spans can be acheived in part due to the lightness of the materials used compared to those for a traditional formation. There is also a minimal amount of materials required.

The way in which a suspension bridge supports the load through a combination of elements in tension and compression also means that it could acheive greater height, a property which is often required when spanning waterways.