The reason why floating bridges can float on water is mainly based on the following key principles:
1. Buoyancy principle
Buoyancy is the upward force exerted on an object in a liquid, and the magnitude of this force is equal to the weight of the liquid displaced by the object. According to Archimedes' principle, the magnitude of the buoyancy exerted on an object in a liquid is equal to the weight of the liquid it displaces. Therefore, as long as the displacement of the floating bridge is large enough, it can obtain sufficient buoyancy to support its own weight and the weight of vehicles and pedestrians traveling on it.
2. Density control
Material selection: Floating bridges usually use lightweight, high-strength materials such as aluminum alloys, steel or specially formulated concrete. The density of these materials is relatively low, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the floating bridge, making it easier to obtain buoyancy.
Structural design: In the structural design of floating bridges, cavity structures are usually used or highly microporous materials are added to reduce the density of the entire structure. These cavities or microporous materials can accommodate air or water, thereby increasing the displacement of the floating bridge and improving buoyancy.
3. Floating equipment
Specialized floating equipment, such as pontoons and pontoons, is usually installed under the floating bridge. These floating equipment are filled with air or lightweight materials such as foam to provide additional buoyancy. In large floating bridge projects, such as the SR-520 floating bridge, 77 large concrete pontoons are used to support the weight of the entire bridge.
4. Anchoring and stabilization system
Although buoyancy is the main reason why floating bridges can float on the water, additional anchoring and stabilization measures are required to ensure the stability and safety of floating bridges. For example, steel cables, anchor chains, etc. are used to fix the floating bridge to the riverbed or shore; or a steel cable anchoring system is used to connect the various parts of the floating bridge together to form a stable overall structure.
