Why Steel Is the Go-To Choice for Connecting the World
Steel shapes the world. Yes, the entire world! Steel is renowned for its strength, flexibility, and versatility, which has made it the backbone of structures around the planet, including some of the most awe-inspiring bridges humankind has ever seen.
Steel construction bridges conveniently close gaps across bodies of water and difficult terrain, connecting communities like no other material.
Let’s explore the feats of steel construction bridges.
Steel Shapes Bridges with Strength and Style
Steel is a durable metal and has earned its place as the go-to material for bridge construction. And for good reason! Its high ductility and malleable nature means it can be shaped into innovative designs, accommodating tight curves, large skews, and variable-width decks with ease.
Steel’s high tensile strength serves as the backbone for bridges, allowing them to support immense loads. Its ductility also allows steel to absorb stress from traffic and environmental forces, including harsh weather conditions.
Longevity is another hallmark of steel construction bridges. With proper maintenance, steel resists wear and corrosion, offering decades of reliable performance. You can see evidence of steel’s longevity in almost every corner of the world. Let’s check out some examples of iconic steel bridges around the globe.
Stunning Steel Construction Bridges Around the World
Brooklyn Bridge: New York, United States
Photo courtesy of NYC Tourism
Our first example is right here in the United States: the Brooklyn Bridge. It was completed in 1883 and is a hybrid cable-stayed and suspension bridge using galvanized steel cables for strength and corrosion resistance. With a 1,595-ft. span, it remains one of the oldest steel-wire suspension bridges, symbolizing American innovation and resilience.
Sydney Harbour Bridge: Sydney, Australia
Photo courtesy of Britannica
Next, we have the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Completed in 1932, this incredible structure connects Sydney’s city center to the North Shore. Made with 52,800 tons of silicon steel, its 1,650-ft. span remains one of the world’s largest steel arch bridges.
Gwangan “Diamond” Bridge: Busan, South Korea
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
A great example of steel’s unique combination of strength and beauty is the Gwangan “Diamond” Bridge in South Korea. It was completed in 2002 and is a two-tier suspension bridge made of corrosion-resistant weathering steel. Spanning 4.61 miles, this steel bridge lights up at night and offers stunning views of Busan’s skyline, making it a vital transport link and iconic landmark.
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Are you ready to explore the uses of steel for your business? While we don’t build bridges ourselves, Metal Works is a keen supporter of all steel construction! We specialize in a variety of steel building projects such as schools, warehouses, hospitals, and other public works. To learn more about how you can use steel in your next project, contact our team today!