Design Squad
How Does a Suspension Bridge Work?
Clip | 29sVideo has Closed Captions
See how the forces of tension and compression are distributed in a suspension bridge.
See how the forces of tension and compression are distributed in a suspension bridge.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Design Squad
How Does a Suspension Bridge Work?
Clip | 29sVideo has Closed Captions
See how the forces of tension and compression are distributed in a suspension bridge.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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The ropes and cables in a suspension bridge work in tension, not compression.
When a material is pulled, it's in tension.
When it's pushed or squeezed, it's in compression.
The hanging deck of a suspension bridge pulls on the vertical ropes.
These ropes then pull on the main cables, placing them in tension.
While under tension, the main cables push down on the supporting towers, placing them in compression.
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