Final answer:
The design of cable-stayed bridges became common in the 20th century, and their construction requires careful consideration of physical forces and materials. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse highlighted the necessity of proper design to handle dynamic forces like wind.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of the cable-stayed bridge can be traced back centuries, but it was not until the 20th century that the design became popularized and frequently used in bridge construction. The basic principle of a cable-stayed bridge involves a deck being supported by cables directly connected to one or more towers, creating a balance of forces that allows the bridge to span great distances.
The design of modern cable-stayed bridges involves careful consideration of various physics principles. Key forces acting on the bridge must be accounted for, including tension in the cables, compression in the pylons, and the weight of the bridge itself. Properly understanding how these forces interact is crucial to ensure the stability and safety of the structure. For example, the catastrophic collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 emphasized the importance of accounting for dynamic loads such as wind-induced vibrations and resonance in bridge design.
Notable engineers, like Gustave Eiffel, who is renowned for his work with bridges and the Eiffel Tower, contributed to the foundational knowledge and technical advances that support the engineering of modern bridges, including cable-stayed designs. Today, advances in materials and engineering techniques continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with cable-stayed bridge construction, making them a common sight in contemporary architecture. They are often celebrated for their aesthetic appeal as well as their strength and efficiency.