r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/rapatakaz • 1d ago

Video China is completing the construction of the tallest bridge in the world, which runs through the Grand Huajiang Canyon. The 2,890-meter-long steel suspension bridge rises 625 meters above sea level

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u/Mediocre-Housing-131 1d ago

So like, at the risk of sounding stupid; what are the curved cables at the top of these style bridges for? They don’t appear to be under any amount of tension, just drooping slightly above the surface.

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u/masticatezeinfo 1d ago

I think the curve is about load distribution and material cost. I think the curve allows the load distribution to pull downwards on the supports rather than sideways. So strength would be improved.

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u/Mediocre-Housing-131 1d ago

That makes sense. Thanks for explaining!