Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What key component do suspension bridges primarily utilize for load-bearing?

1. Pillars

2. Cables suspended from towers

3. Concrete slabs

4. Wooden beams

The correct answer is: Cables suspended from towers

Suspension bridges primarily utilize cables suspended from towers as their key component for load-bearing. This design allows the weight of the bridge deck and any additional loads to be distributed through the cables to the towers, which in turn bear the vertical load and transfer it to the ground. The main cables are typically anchored at both ends of the bridge, effectively managing tensile forces resulting from the loads applied to the bridge deck. The use of cables provides flexibility and enables the bridge to span significant distances while maintaining stability and strength. Additionally, this design minimizes the amount of material needed for support while maximizing the bridge’s ability to handle dynamic loads such as vehicles and pedestrians.