Types of Suspension Bridges

Suspension bridges come in two different designs: the suspension bridge, recognized by the elongated 'M' shape, and the less-common cable-stayed design, which has more of an 'A' shape. The cable-stayed bridge does not require two towers and four anchorages as does the suspension bridge. Instead, the cables are run from the roadway up to a single tower where they are secured.

Forces on a cable-stayed bridge

A cable-stayed bridge near Savannah, Georgia, USA

The tower in a cable-stayed bridge, like its counterpart in a suspension bridge, is responsible for absorbing and dealing with the compression forces. In both bridges, the cables are under tension.