Fact Check: "Suspension bridges use cables to support the bridge deck."
What We Know
Suspension bridges are designed with a unique structural system that relies heavily on cables to support the bridge deck. According to the Forest Service, these bridges are supported by two main steel cables, from which the deck is hung using vertical suspender cables or steel rods. This configuration allows the bridge deck to be suspended below the main cables, which are anchored at both ends of the bridge.
Further elaborating on this design, a Wikipedia article explains that the main cables are suspended between towers and are essential for transferring both live and dead loads from the deck to the ground. The roadway is supported by vertical suspender cables, which connect the deck to the main suspension cables, thereby allowing for a level or arched deck.
Analysis
The claim that "suspension bridges use cables to support the bridge deck" is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. The Forest Service provides a straightforward description of the structural components of suspension bridges, emphasizing the role of cables in supporting the deck. This source is credible as it is published by a governmental agency focused on engineering and infrastructure.
The Wikipedia article also supports this claim, detailing how the main cables and vertical suspenders work together to hold the bridge deck. Wikipedia is generally reliable for technical information, especially when corroborated by other sources, but it is always advisable to cross-reference with primary or specialized literature.
Additionally, a source from ScienceDirect reinforces the idea that the deck of a suspension bridge is indeed hung from suspension cables on vertical suspenders. This source is credible as it comes from a peer-reviewed platform that specializes in scientific and technical content.
While some sources, such as HowStuffWorks, mention additional structural elements like trusses, they do not contradict the primary function of cables in supporting the deck. Instead, they provide a more comprehensive view of the overall design, indicating that cables are a fundamental component of suspension bridges.
Conclusion
The claim that "suspension bridges use cables to support the bridge deck" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources consistently confirms that cables are integral to the structural integrity of suspension bridges, supporting the deck and transferring loads effectively.
Sources
- Trail Bridge Catalog, Types, Cable, Suspension - Forest Service
- Suspension bridge - Wikipedia
- Why Suspension Bridges Rely on Cables: The Surprising ...
- Cable Stayed vs. Suspension Bridges
- Suspension Bridges - an overview
- The Suspension Bridge
- Suspension bridge | EBSCO Research Starters
- Cable- Stayed Bridges
