1.0 Problem Statement
To prepare a case study on the Akashi Bridge considering the history, design philosophy, construction techniques, construction materials and problem encountered throughout the design and construction phase.
2.0 Introduction
Bridges have been in existence for a very long time and are any structure that carries a path across or over obstacles. Some obstacles can be considered as rivers, the ocean or valleys. Over the centuries bridges have evolved from as simple as wooden logs and trees to as remarkable as the Akashi Suspension Bridge due to the increase in construction and material technology.
The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge or “Pearl Bridge” is a six lane suspension bridge roadway and is located across the Akashi Strait, it links Kobe in the mainland to Awaji-shima one of Japan’s smaller island. As a result of the massive earthquake in 1955 and modernization plans for Japan this bridge was the solution for the Japanese Government. This megastructure was initially designed for its span to be one thousand, nine hundred and ninety meters (1,990 m) long, but in January 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake added an extra meter to the bridge causing its span to …show more content…
The Menai bridge design was based on one of the earliest types of bridges; suspension rope bridges. Wood planks were added to the bridge to allow it to be crossed easily and instead of using ropes iron chains were used to allow heavier loads. When heavier loads are applied, the underneath of the bridge would sag so in order to prevent this the bridge was suspended from stone towers and the rope was lowered to flatten the sag. In order to prevent failure engineers needed to anchor the bridge so, they secured the chain in the rocky banks and locked them with three meter (3 m) long bolts. With the rocks as the anchor, the only chance of failure was if it gave
To prepare a case study on the Akashi Bridge considering the history, design philosophy, construction techniques, construction materials and problem encountered throughout the design and construction phase.
2.0 Introduction
Bridges have been in existence for a very long time and are any structure that carries a path across or over obstacles. Some obstacles can be considered as rivers, the ocean or valleys. Over the centuries bridges have evolved from as simple as wooden logs and trees to as remarkable as the Akashi Suspension Bridge due to the increase in construction and material technology.
The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge or “Pearl Bridge” is a six lane suspension bridge roadway and is located across the Akashi Strait, it links Kobe in the mainland to Awaji-shima one of Japan’s smaller island. As a result of the massive earthquake in 1955 and modernization plans for Japan this bridge was the solution for the Japanese Government. This megastructure was initially designed for its span to be one thousand, nine hundred and ninety meters (1,990 m) long, but in January 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake added an extra meter to the bridge causing its span to …show more content…
The Menai bridge design was based on one of the earliest types of bridges; suspension rope bridges. Wood planks were added to the bridge to allow it to be crossed easily and instead of using ropes iron chains were used to allow heavier loads. When heavier loads are applied, the underneath of the bridge would sag so in order to prevent this the bridge was suspended from stone towers and the rope was lowered to flatten the sag. In order to prevent failure engineers needed to anchor the bridge so, they secured the chain in the rocky banks and locked them with three meter (3 m) long bolts. With the rocks as the anchor, the only chance of failure was if it gave