suspension bridge

Bridge whose long deck is suspended from load-bearing cables, which are supported by the towers and anchored in the ground at both ends of the bridge.

anchorage block

Concrete structure on each side of the abutment; it is buried deep in the ground and the end of the suspension cable is attached to it.

foundation of tower

Solid concrete base that is anchored in the ground.

deck

Set of components making up the structure that carries the bridge’s traffic lanes.

center span

Section of the deck entirely suspended between the towers.

tower

Elevated structure made of metal or reinforced concrete; it supports the cables.

side span

Section of the span between the tower and the abutment.

abutment

Solid concrete construction whose mass counterbalances the weight of the suspended roadway.

suspension cable

Very strong, flexible component made of steel wires; it bears the weight of the deck.

suspender

Cable or metal rod connecting the suspension cable to the deck, supporting it.

approach ramp

Lane for accessing the bridge.