suspension bridge

Suspension bridges are the best bridges for spanning the greatest distances; nearly two kilometers for the longest. The innovation of new types of cables allowed suspension bridges to do this. Such a bridge normally employs the truss design across a continuous span with anchors at either end counteracting the weight of the bridge held by the cables. The cables span across either side of the roadbed, from one anchor, up to the tower, across to the other tower, and down to that tower’s anchor. The entirety of any load placed on the bridge is held by the cables, which in turn are held by the towers. The major issue with suspension bridges is the control of wind loads and other environmental factors. If a suspension bridge is to undergo heavy winds, the bridge must be designed to be highly aerodynamically stable.

The following is a list of some of the largest Suspension Bridges world-wide:

Sources:
http://www.matsuo-bridge.co.jp/english/bridges/basics/suspension.shtm
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/julaug98/worlds.htm