Since the City of Birmingham, AL is currently undergoing major bridge construction, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the world's most fascinating bridges.
I did a little research and these bridges below were among the most fascinating that we have on this Earth. Some bridges are fascinating because of the story or history behind them, some because of the structure, and some have both.
1. The Bridge of Eggs:
This Bridge in Lima, Peru is said to be built by mixing mortar with not water, but over 10,000 egg whites from seabirds in order to improve the consistency of the mortar. Wow, that is a lot of egg whites... can this really be true? Some Scientists disagree with the previous research said to have proved that it was, so I guess we just have to make our own call here. I like to think that it was, and imagine these people gathering thousands of eggs, separating the yolk from the whites, and mixing them with mortar. That does sound like a lot of work when there was a source of water to be used right where the bridge passed over, but we may never know for sure. Source 1: http://medievalnews.blogspot.com/2010/01/eggs-not-used-to-build-medieval-bridge.html
2. Inca Bridge:
The amount of time and team work it takes to build a bridge like this is remarkable. These grass knit chords are so strong when woven together. Just as it takes many strands combined to create the bridge, it also takes many people combined to build. To learn more about this process and the people who keep this bridge maintained, visit the source below.
3. The Golden Bridge in Vietnam:
This Golden Bridge is a pedestrian bridge held up by two weathered concrete hands. The bridge helps visitors get a closer look at the stunning view of the Ba Na Mountains. To read more about the concept of the design and details of the structure, visit the source below. Source: http://www.infrastructure-intelligence.com/article/sep-2018/hands-approach-designing-vietnam%E2%80%99s-golden-bridge
4. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel:
This is a special bridge because it is not only a bridge, but also a tunnel through the water at the Bay. This bridge is located at the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, USA. Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/chesapeake-bay-bridge-tunnel-construction-2017-6.
5. The Helix Bridge:
This pedestrian bridge in Singapore is modeled after DNA. The steel formation is that of a double Helix and has a light airy look to it, as apposed to the heavier looking bridges in he area. To read more about this structure and how it was built visit the source below. Source: https://www.archdaily.com/185400/helix-bridge-cox-architecture-with-architects-61
6. The Anzahaite Long-Span Suspension Bridge:
This Bridge is the World's tallest and longest suspension bridge. It was Constructed in 2012 and is located in Jishou, Hunan Province, China.
This may not be the bridge that you want to visit if you are afraid of heights. This bridge is amazing because of its height and length that spans across the valley, which also provides a pretty fantastic view.
7. Kintaikyo Bridge:
This wooden bridge of 5 arches was built in 1673 and stood until 1950 when it was damaged by a Typhoon. The structure was rebuilt in 1953 and is still standing today.
8. Iya Valley Bridges in Japan:
These two bridges in Japan are amazingly crafted from vines!
The way that these bridges are in harmony with nature is so beautiful and requires a lot of time and work to build and maintain. Source:
9. Meghalaya Root Bridges:
In Meghalaya, India bridges were grown from roots at one time and a few still stand today. The bridges made from the roots of the rubber trees were strong enough to withstand monsoons. Root bridges take years to to form because the roots had to be guided from both sides of the river in hollow canes of Areca nut palm until the two sides merged to form one single structure strong enough to support a person crossing. http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20150218-indias-amazing-living-root-bridges
10. The Devil's Bridge:
This is a beautiful bridge built in 1860, in Rakotzbrücke Gablenz, Germany. It was created to look like a complete circle when combined with it's own reflection in the water. The bridge is called The Devil's Bridge because it is so delicated and complicated to build it is said that it was said that only the Devil could have built it. https://routes.tips/rackotzbrucke
Also see source:
for more information.
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