Suspension bridge types about each type of bridge. Provided the cables are of sufficiently high quality, suspension bridges are suitable for the longest spans. However, their construction costs are high, so that usually they are economical only for spans in excess of 1000 feet. Shorter spans often are constructed for aesthetic reasons. The economy of longer span suspension bridges is due to their relatively low weight, but because of the greater flexibility that comes with low weight these bridges are more suitable as road bridges than railroad bridges. Suspension bridge types A suspension bridge is any type of bridge that makes significant use
Pontoon effect Pontoon effect The pontoon effect refers to the tendency of a vessel whose flotation depends on lateral pontoons to capsize without warning when a lateral force is applied. The effect can be sudden and dramatic because pontoon boats usually cannot rely on the righting effect of a keel (which contains ballast). The vessel is stable and self-righting up to the point that the centre of gravity shifts past the centre of buoyancy of the ship and the vessel rapidly capsizes. The pontoon effect is theoretically possible whenever the vessel's entire weight exceeds the buoyancy of the pontoon(s) on either side.