theory of a suspension bridges?
In its most basic form, the theory of a suspension bridge is that all the compression members are replaced by a pair of towers and the tension members consist of a pair of cables that are anchored to the ground on each side of the towers and hang across the space between them. Smaller tension members hang vertically, from the cables, to support the weight of the bed. This system transfers the weight forces along the cables as tension, and converts it to compression force at the top of the towers, where the cables have a kink, since the side force of the cable is proportional to its tension and inverse to its bend radius. This transfers the forces of the weight of the bed to the top of the towers, which bear the full weight of the bed and the upward pull on the cable anchors (so about double the bed weight) in total. -- Regards, John Popelish
