Bridges have been an important part of human infrastructure for centuries. They are essential in connecting different areas and facilitating trade and transportation. Among the many types of bridges, the longest ones are often the most impressive. The length of a bridge is a significant factor in determining its engineering and architectural feat. In this article, we will explore the criteria for measuring bridge length and the top contenders for the honor of being the longest bridge in the world.
Criteria for measuring bridge length
The length of a bridge is typically measured based on the distance between the two endpoints of the structure. This measurement includes all the spans, pillars, and supporting structures, but excludes the approach ramps and any other parts that are not part of the actual bridge structure. The length can be measured in different units, such as meters, kilometers, or miles. Another factor that affects the length of a bridge is its type. Different types of bridges have varying lengths, with suspension bridges typically being the longest.
Top 5 candidates for longest bridge
The top five contenders for the title of the longest bridge in the world are:
- Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China – 102.4 miles (164.8 kilometers)
- Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct in Taiwan – 97.8 miles (157.3 kilometers)
- Tianjin Grand Bridge in China – 70.6 miles (113.7 kilometers)
- Cangde Grand Bridge in China – 65.5 miles (105.3 kilometers)
- Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge in China – 49.5 miles (79.6 kilometers)
All of these bridges are in Asia and were constructed in the last two decades. The construction of these bridges was a significant feat of engineering and required advanced technology and resources. In the following sections, we will explore each of these bridges in more detail.
Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China currently holds the record for the longest bridge in the world, measured at 102.4 miles (164.8 kilometers). This bridge is a part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and was completed in 2010 after four years of construction. The bridge spans over water, rice paddies, and mountains, and includes 10,000 pillars to support the structure. The bridge’s construction required 450,000 tons of steel and 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete.
Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct
The second-longest bridge in the world is the Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct in Taiwan, measuring 97.8 miles (157.3 kilometers). This bridge is a part of the Taiwan High-Speed Rail and connects the cities of Changhua and Kaohsiung. The bridge was built between 1997 and 2005 and cost over $14 billion. It includes more than 5,000 pillars and spans across water and land.
Tianjin Grand Bridge
The Tianjin Grand Bridge in China is the third-longest bridge in the world, measuring 70.6 miles (113.7 kilometers). This bridge is a part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and connects the cities of Langfang and Qingxian. The bridge was completed in 2010 and required over 100,000 tons of steel and 550,000 cubic meters of concrete.
Cangde Grand Bridge
The Cangde Grand Bridge in China is the fourth-longest bridge in the world, measuring 65.5 miles (105.3 kilometers). This bridge is a part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and connects the cities of Langfang and Cangzhou. The construction of this bridge required over 96,000 tons of steel and 480,000 cubic meters of concrete.
Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge in China is the fifth-longest bridge in the world, measuring 49.5 miles (79.6 kilometers). This bridge is a part of the Zhengzhou-Xi’an High-Speed Railway and connects the cities of Weinan and Xi’an. The bridge was completed in 2008 and required over 36,000 tons of steel and 300,000 cubic meters of concrete.
Comparison of length and features
While the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is currently the longest bridge in the world, all of the bridges mentioned above are significant engineering achievements. The construction of these bridges required advanced technology and resources and involved overcoming various challenges, such as building over water and mountains. The bridges differ in length and design, with some including more pillars or spanning across more types of terrain.
Other notable long bridges
Aside from the top five contenders for the longest bridge in the world, there are many other notable long bridges worldwide. Some of these include the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in China, the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway in Kuwait, and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the United States.
Conclusion
The longest bridges in the world are impressive feats of engineering and architecture. They connect different areas and facilitate transportation and trade. While the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is currently the longest bridge in the world, there are many other notable long bridges worldwide. These structures are a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to overcome challenges through innovation and collaboration.
References
- "Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge." Guinness World Records, 2021, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-bridge-over-water-(aggregate).
- "Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct." Guinness World Records, 2021, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-bridge-(aggregate).
- "Tianjin Grand Bridge." Guinness World Records, 2021, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-bridge-(aggregate)–railway-bridge.
- "Cangde Grand Bridge." Guinness World Records, 2021, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-bridge-over-water-(aggregate)–railway-bridge.
- "Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge." Guinness World Records, 2021, www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-bridge-over-water-(aggregate)–railway-bridge.
