Crossing a bridge is a fairly regular occurrence. Whether it’s part of a commute to work, on the way home or a prominent feature in a city or town, the act of walking over a bridge might not spark much attention in day-to-day life.
But there are some bridges around the world that demand the attention of anyone who crosses them.
The Rolling Bridge (United Kingdom)
Photograph by Loz Pycock
It only covers a short distance, but this next bridge certainly does so in style. Created by Heatherwick Studios, the Rolling Bridge is a steel bridge that covers an inlet in London. What makes this bridge so unique is that it can tidy itself away! When needed, this bridge curls up into an octogen shape to stand on one side of the canal until a boat passes. The bridge also curls up every day at noon, for those who want to see it in action!
The design and technology behind the bridge were purported to be inspired by the animation of the Apatosaurus in Jurassic Park, with silicon and steel mechanisms allowing for an imitation of natural movement. The structure measures in at 12 metres long, with eight triangular steel sections that can curl up thanks to a network of hydraulic rams along the bridge’s structure.
Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge in Germany)
Photograph by A. Landgraf
When combined with its own reflection, this Devil’s Bridge makes a perfect circle. The bridge is said to have been commissioned by a knight in 1860. But the rocks and stones used for its creation are jagged and spikey, so it was dangerous to cross. According to Earth Trekkers, there were other Devil’s Bridges built in the past as a masonry challenge. The idea was that only Satan himself could help with a difficult build such as these bridges, and the first human who crossed the completed bridge would pay for the Devil’s helping hand by giving up his soul. There isn’t much in the way of records regarding its construction, but the perfect semi-circle creation was certainly ahead of its time in terms of technological achievements! In order to preserve this bridge, it is now off-limits in terms of crossing it. But it is still an oddly beautiful sight to behold!
Living Roots Bridges (India)
Photograph by Arshiya Urveeja Bose
Living roots bridges are proof of patience and adaptability. These beautifully natural bridges were formed by guiding rubber tree roots with hollow canes so that they would grow outwards and meet from either side of a stream. The ‘technology’ behind this method is based upon the natural of the tree roots’ behavior. The roots of the rubber tree have a preference for anchoring themselves to nearby objects, including each other! Technically, the bridges are never completed, as roots can be set towards a living roots bridge in order to support it throughout its life, or add to it. It would take years to reach the opposite bank, but the hard work paid off as these living roots bridges can support the weight of a human. They were originally made by the Khasi tribe, who realized the bamboo bridges they were building would collapse or rot after a monsoon or heavy storm.
Dragon Bridge (Vietnam)
Photograph by Ehrin Macksey / Noi Pictures
The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, cuts a striking silhouette. The bridge is the result of an international competition by the Da Nang People’s Committee in order to improve travel in the city. The bridge has six lanes for vehicles, two lanes for pedestrians, and 2,500 LED lights. Incredibly, the Dragon Bridge is fully capable of breathing fire too. In fact, the bridge can spout water or fire, and this display is often used for special occasions in the city. In terms of its construction, the bridge is a single-arched bridge made of hybrid steel box girders. The dragon part itself is constructed from decorative plates that are placed to look like scales. The arches are fastened to the deck below with steel cabling, as well as reinforced concrete.
Da Vinci Bridge (Norway)
Photograph by Egil Kvaleberg
Like the living roots bridges, the Da Vinci bridge in Norway was a work of patience. This bridge was originally designed nearly 500 years ago by Leonardo da Vinci, with the intention of being built across the Golden Horn in Istanbul. The original drawing had a single span of 240 metres, but the project did not go ahead as it was believed that such a design was not feasible.
Their concern was certainly understandable, as the mathematics behind the bridge’s ability to support itself would not be realized until the 19th century. Essentially, the bridge relies on the ability to support itself with each arch leaning on the other and keeping each other firmly in place. Its construction in Norway was the first example of a da Vinci drawing being used in a major engineering feat. The bridge has just three arches to support the structure. Though the Norwegian bridge is a smaller version of the original plans, it shows that the design works — one arch under the bridge, and two arches either side leaning inwards to spread the weight.
Sources
https://bocadolobo.com/blog/architecture/10-of-the-worlds-most-beautiful-and-unique-bridges/
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/design/g248/4335705/
http://boredomtherapy.com/unique-bridges-around-the-world/
