Clifton Suspension Bridge

Technically the bridge is a way of taking forces from up in the air down to the ground. So imagine the flow of those forces through the structure. Think of a truck standing on the brdge and how its weight is transmitted through the bridge to the ground.

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There is no direct vertical or torsional restraint of the deck at the abutments. The vertical loads are carried by the hangers and there is a short articulated span to allow for relative movements. There is some lateral and longitudinal restraint at each end. The wrought iron chains are supported on saddles on top of the towers with rollers allowing longitudinal movement – but with considerable friction There is a weight limit on the bridge of 2.5 tons axle weight, or four tons gross weight which effectively means cars and small goods vehicles. Toll barriers control the flow and there is a weighbridge in the road on both side.