Suspension Bridge
Cole Crawhorn
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What is it?
Suspension Bridges revolutionized ancient Chinese trade routes by allowing them to pass through or over mountains, rivers and caves. This made the economy of China expand exponentially. Suspension bridges used flexible bamboo and rope to hold heavy loads. The suspension bridge was invented in 206 BCE. this invention helped china deal with annual floods that killed many people. Although the suspension bridge was originally used to get away from floods, as the length of the Bridges expanded they could have many different uses. Another positive of the suspension bridge is that it helps trade and good for the country.
How Is It Done?
Suspension bridges have been improved over time to hold more weight and last longer. They used metal cables instead of rope and metal plates for the bamboo. This allowed the bridges to hold more weight and last much longer. It also could stretch across greater distances
How Is It Significant?
How Is It Significant?
Suspension bridges revolutionized the way civilizations trade with each other. They allowed farmers and traders to travel faster and further. This gave way to international trade routes that connected civilization. It also let an empire have resources that they couldn't make themselves. Suspension bridges enabled pivotal trade and travel across rivers which represents the Chinese advanced way of overcoming barriers.
What was the impact for other civilizations?
Suspension bridges allowed civilizations to connect from across geographical barriers. The durability of these bridges shows that flexible materials can be engineered into a trustworthy infrastructure. This challenged the stone and wooden bridges that were seen in other parts of the world. For neighboring civilizations like the Mongols in the northwest and the Indus Valley civilization in the southwest. the suspension bridge provided a model of flexibility. This knowledge spread through trade routes gradually and inspired other regions to experiment, such as South Asia. The suspension bridge later influenced the medieval bridge building concept and it became a transferable idea. Suspension bridges embodied the ingenuity of Chinese engineers. It also reinforced Chinas reputation as a hub for technological advancements.
Extra Information:
History of Bridges - This is a good website if you want to know about the designs of suspension bridges from then to now.
Nova Online - You could use this website to get a basic understanding about suspension bridges in ancient China.
YouTube - If you want to know how suspension bridges are designed and built, this is a good video to watch.
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