Bold from an architectural point of view, beautiful in the eyes of the beholder. Bridges are like this: they fascinate and enchant not only for their beauty, but for their high-tech construction and the functionality they bring to modern life.
And you, would you know what are the biggest bridges in the world? How about venturing with us on this post and finding out a little more about it?
At first glance it may seem, but the bridges are not all the same. There are different types of bridges that are modified by numerous factors, from the construction system used to the distance between the pillars.
And it is precisely in these differences that the classification criteria used to determine which are the largest bridges in the world inhabit.
Basically all bridges are built on the basis of public initiative and need to meet three basic and fundamental requirements: efficiency, economy and design.
Other than that, they are also defined by two main structures: viaducts or bridges over rivers, seas and valleys.
Bridges can be built in the shape of arches, beams and the Cantilever type, where each of them can be structured directly on the ground or, even, submerged in rivers and seas.
The arch or suspended format has one of the most beautiful aesthetics, while the beam type are the most common because they are cheaper. The Cantilever bridge is only used when there is a need to support heavy loads or when the site is frequently hit by severe storms and gusts of wind.
Discover now the largest bridges in the world according to the type of construction used:
World’s largest bridges over the earth
China is unanimous when it comes to the biggest bridges in the world. But it is worth checking out the complete ranking and being surprised by these engineering giants.
5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
In the lantern of the list is the Weinan Weihe Grand bridge, located in China. Inaugurated in 2010, the bridge crosses important rivers in the country along its 79 kilometers in length.
Until the completion of the work, 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete, 45 thousand tons of steel were used, in addition to the labor of around 10,000 workers.
4. Cangde Grand Bridge
The Candge Grande Bridge is the fourth longest bridge in the world, measuring about 105 kilometers. The Candge Grand Bridge was built to withstand earthquakes.
Located in China, Candge Grand was opened in 2010 and functions as part of the Beijing – Shanghai High Speed Railway.
3. Tianjin Grand Bridge
The Great Tianjin Bridge is in China and is considered a type of viaduct. It passes through part of the Beijing – Shanghai High Speed Railway.
Measuring 113 kilometers in length, Tianjin came to be considered as the second longest bridge in the world at the time it opened in 2011.
Curiosity: each beam of the bridge is 32 meters long and weighs about 860 tons.
2. Changhua – Kaohsiung Viaduct
The second longest bridge in the world is actually an overpass. Changhua – Kaohsiung, located in Taiwan, is 157 kilometers long and functions as part of Taiwan’s high-speed rail line.
1. Danyang – Kunshan Grand Bridge
The longest bridge in the world is in China. The title owner is Danyang – Kunshan Grand Bridge, 164 kilometers long.
The bridge leads the ranking of the world’s largest bridge Guinness Book since 2011. Built to withstand typhoons and earthquakes, Danyang – Kunshan took four years to complete, consumed a budget of 8.5 billion dollars and employed more than 10,000 workers.
World’s largest bridges over water
Now see the world’s largest bridges built on water. They are amazing works!
5. Jintang Bridge
The Jintang Bridge is 26 kilometers long. Built in China, the bridge connects the Jintang, Zhenhai and Ningbo islands.
4. Jiaozhou Bay
Also in China, the fourth largest bridge over water in the world is Jiaozhou Bay. With just over 26 kilometers in length, the bridge is part of the Jiaozhou Bay Connection Project.
The bridge was designed to withstand winds, hurricanes, earthquakes and storms. For this, more than 450 thousand tons of steel and 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete were used. In addition, the bridge still has 5,238 reinforced concrete beams.
3. Manchac Swamp Bridge
At 36 kilometers long, the Manchac Swamp Bridge is the third largest bridge in the world over water. It travels through the state of Louisiana, in the United States.
Inaugurated in 1979, the bridge is considered the longest bridge in the world without toll.
2. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
In second place comes the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway which is just over 38 kilometers long. The bridge connects New Orleans to Mandeville.
The two sides of the bridge, with traffic in the opposite direction, are separated 24 meters apart.
1. Hong Kong Zhuhai – Macau
The largest bridge in the world over water is the Hong Kong Zhuhai – Macau bridge in China.
The bridge is 55 kilometers long and connects by road between Hong Kong and Macau, although it also allows the passage of ships and other maritime vessels.
The three largest bridges in Brazil
Brazil also has examples of bridges that inspire and enchant the world for their beauty and ingenuity.
Check out the biggest bridges in Brazil below:
1. Airton Senna Bridge
The Airton Senna bridge is only 3.7 kilometers long and 13 meters high. The bridge connects the city of Guaíra, in Paraná and Mundo Novo, in Mato Grosso do Sul.
In the world ranking, the Airton Senna Bridge occupies the 221st position among the largest bridges in the world.
2. Bridge over the Paraná River
The second longest bridge in Brazil is the Bridge over the Paraná River, officially known as the Rio Paraná Railroad Bridge, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
With 3.7 kilometers in length, the bridge has two “floors” and serves both for the transport of land vehicles, on the first “floor”, and for rail transportation, carried out on the second “floor” of the bridge.
Inaugurated in 1998, the Paraná River Railroad Bridge ranks 214th in the ranking of the largest bridges in the world.
3. Rio – Niterói Bridge
We finally arrived at the biggest bridge in Brazil: the Rio – Niterói Bridge!
With 13 kilometers in length, the bridge is intended for the traffic of land vehicles and connects the city of Rio de Janeiro and the city of Niterói.
Built with solid concrete, the Rio – Niterói bridge is officially named as Presidente Costa e Silva Bridge, a tribute to former President Arthur Costa e Silva.
Inaugurated in 1974, the Rio – Niterói Bridge allowed a beautiful view of Guanabará Bay.
In the ranking of the largest bridges in the world, the Rio – Niterói Bridge occupies the 50th position.
And did you already know any of these bridges? So how about going through one of them on your next trip?
