Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What aspect is crucial for the performance of a suspension bridge?

1. The length of the cables

2. The weight of the towers

3. The tension in the cables

4. The type of road surface

The correct answer is: The tension in the cables

The performance of a suspension bridge relies heavily on the tension in the cables. This tension is vital because it helps distribute the loads applied to the bridge, including the weight of the deck, traffic, and environmental forces such as wind and seismic activity. The cables are designed to experience significant tension, which maintains the stability of the bridge and ensures that it can effectively transfer loads to the towers and ultimately to the foundations. When the tension in the cables is appropriately managed, it prevents excessive deflection and allows the bridge to maintain its structural integrity over time. Without sufficient tension, the cables may not be able to support the bridge deck adequately, leading to potential structural failure. Thus, achieving and maintaining the correct tension is a fundamental aspect of suspension bridge design and performance.