The Royal Albert Bridge comprises of two main spans support on
a single deep water pier set in mid stream, with a substantial masonry
pier on each foreshore; together with a series of approach spans
from each bank.
The "Bowstring Suspension Bridge" design comprised of
a wrought iron tubular arch or bow, having a profile generally in
the form of a parabola, in a combination with sets of suspension
chains hanging on each side of the tube in a catenary curve. The
tubes included as great a rise as the chains had dip at the centre
of each span, where the overall depth of truss is 72 feet. From
the centre of the tube to the top of the chains is 56 feet 3 inches.
A plate girder roadway, that carries the railway track is slung
below each tube by eleven pairs of vertical members. These pass
through and are connected to the chains, while intermediate hangers
located midway between these verticals, are attached solely to the
chains. The two main spans are in fact based on the principle of
a suspension bridge, making The Royal Albert Bridge unique to this
day as the only one of that type that carries main line trains.
To overcome the limitations of the suspension system the verticals
are restrained through a continuous system of diagonal bracing.
These comprise of a series of long wrought iron members, each pinned
at both ends to connect the main tube and the chain links, while
each pair of verticals is braced together by transverse struts and
sets of diagonal stays. The overall result is a construction of
simple yet graceful design.
Detailed Information:
|
The Royal Albert Bridge 
