Winner of the Quiz

Anju B Sunil

MIDAS IT

Self-Anchored Suspension Systems

14 - 19 Feb 2025

Question 1: Which of the following bridges utilize a self-anchored suspension bridge system?

  1. Oakland Bay Bridge Eastern Span (USA)
  2. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (Turkey)
  3. Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge (USA)
  4. All of the above
Explanation

The Oakland Bay Bridge Eastern Span, completed in 2013, is one of the most notable examples of a self-anchored suspension bridge. The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge is a traditional ground-anchored suspension bridge, while the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge is an extradosed bridge system.

Question 2: Despite having lower foundation costs compared to a ground-anchored suspension bridge, which of the following reasons makes a self-anchored suspension system generally a less preferred option?

  1. The construction requires more complex temporary works as the superstructure must be erected prior to the suspension cable
  2. The aesthetic appearance is less appealing due to the visible compression struts
  3. The maintenance costs are higher due to the need for frequent hangar tensioning
  4. The system cannot accommodate thermal expansion effectively and thereby is significantly higher cost
Explanation

The main disadvantage of self-anchored suspension bridges is their complex construction sequence, which often makes them impractical or much more expensive. While ground-anchored systems allow suspension cables to be installed first, self-anchored systems require the entire superstructure to be built on temporary supports before cable installation. This is necessary because the superstructure itself must act as a strut to balance the anchoring force. As a result, both temporary works costs and construction complexity increase substantially.