What is the difference between a suspension bridge and a beam truss bridge?
A suspension bridge deck is suspended from above on a catenary cable between two fixed points. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge. Using suspension techniques, great spans with minimum obstruction under can be created. A beam or truss (reinforced beam) bridge deck is supported from underneath on a construction of beams or arches (bent beams). longer, stronger spans favour the beam truss method of construction, especially where wind generated sway is an issue. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a Beam/Truss bridge.
