The oldest bridge in the world. The most unusual bridges in the world. The tallest, longest and oldest bridges in the world
Since ancient times, man has tried to embrace the immensity - to cross oceans, mountains, deserts. In this selection, you will find the most unusual man-made structures, award-winning projects, with outstanding architecture and rich history. So we're going to take a look at 25 of the most unique bridges in the world.
Helix Bridge in Singapore
This bridge is unique in that it resembles the structure of DNA. Opened in 2010, the Helix Bridge is made primarily of steel and is lit up at night with strips of LED lighting to highlight its unique design.Kappelbrücke Bridge
Located in the city of Lucerne, this bridge was built in 1333 and crosses the Reuss river diagonally. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. The inside of the bridge is decorated with 17th century paintings depicting the events local history. Most of The bridge was destroyed by fire about 20 years ago. Approximately two-thirds of the bridge and 85 of the 110 paintings were lost. The bridge itself was rebuilt a year later.
Shenyang Bridge
Called the “Wind and Rain Bridge” and hidden among rice fields and mountains, Shenyang is located in Chinese province Guangxi. Built in 1916 by the Dong people, an ethnic minority in China, the bridge is adorned with five distinct pagoda structures. The traditional Chinese architecture makes the structure fantastic, but the most amazing thing is that no nails were used during the construction, only architectural tricks.
rolling bridge
This unique bridge is located in the Paddington area of London. What makes it so special is that every Friday the octagonal structure transforms. During the day, the bridge is assembled back into its original shape. The bridge uses hydraulics to make these transformations and was completed in 2004. The project was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who also designed some of the London Olympic projects.
sky bridge langkawi
The Langkawi Sky Bridge can be reached via a cable car. It's curved pedestrian bridge over 100 meters long, about 700 meters above sea level. Once you make your way through cable car, the bridge will provide an ideal opportunity to view the beautiful sights of the Malaysian mountains and rainforests.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge
This building was opened by the Queen of England in 2002 and is located in the city of Newcastle, crossing the River Tyne. The Millennium Bridge is unique in that it is one of the few bridges in the world that tilts. When it is tilted to one side, it turns into a normal footbridge where you can walk and enjoy the views of the river. When the bridge is tilted the other way, it allows boats and ships to pass under it. Gateshead Millennium has received many architectural awards for its design and the name "Viking Eye" because it looks like an eye that blinks every time the structure tilts.
old bridge bosnia
The Old Bridge was built in 1566 and successfully withstood the test of time until it was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. More than $13 million was spent rebuilding the bridge and surrounding buildings until it was finally restored and opened to the public in 2004.
Akashi Bridge in Japan
One of the greatest examples of Japanese engineering, the Akashi Bridge holds the record as the world's longest suspension bridge, with a total length of 3,911 meters. It would take 4 Brooklyn bridges to cover that distance. It took 12 years to build this structure. Strangely, the bridge was not built with the intention of being the longest suspension bridge in the world, but in 1995, after an earthquake, additional sections had to be added, which gave Akashi his record. The total length of the bridge cables is 300,000 km. That's enough to circle the Earth 7.5 times!
Rialto Bridge in Italy
Built in the 15th century, it crosses the Grand Canal of Venice. The Rialto was first built in 1181 and was the only way to get to the other side of the Grand Canal. Only in 1551 the authorities decided to modernize the bridge. The best architects, including Michelangelo and Palladio, offered their designs, but the task was eventually given to Antonio da Ponte. Some architects were skeptical of his plans and predicted the failure of the bridge, but he defied his critics and the bridge has been perfectly preserved to this day. The classical Venetian architecture of the bridge was supplemented with elements of the nineteenth century a few centuries later. The Rialto was for a long time the only bridge crossing the Grand Canal and the only link between the two sides of Venice, until more modern bridges were built.
Slauerhofbrug bridge
No, this is not an optical illusion! This extremely bizarre bridge is located in Leeuwarden. Due to the huge number of rivers and canals in the Netherlands, the high intensity of shipping and the same volume Vehicle, the country needed a bridge that could quickly rise and fall, benefiting both the road and river navigation. This is how the Slauerhofbrug Bridge was born. Built in 2000 from iron and steel, the bridge is raised and lowered 10 times a day using hydraulics.
Octavio de Oliveira Bridge
Opened in 2008, the bridge in the city of Sao Paulo was built in 5 years. 450 workers were involved in the construction of the Octavio de Oliveira bridge. The project is unusual due to the X-shaped structures in the middle and the two levels of traffic crossing each other during the passage through the abutment. The Oliveira Bridge is also decorated with LEDs that flicker on special holidays. For example, at Christmas the bridge can be lit up to look like a Christmas tree.
Falkirk wheel
It is more than just a bridge thanks to its futuristic design. The Falkirk Wheel is the world's first and only boat lift! The structure can actually rotate 180 degrees. The boat floats along the channel to the lower tier, after which the structure turns around, lifting the boat to the top of the channel. This is a unique way of connecting channels, making it an exceptional feat of modern engineering.
Henderson waves
The bridge was designed to look like waves. The Henderson Waves connect 2 parks in Singapore and offer perfect views of the surrounding beauty. At night, the structure is lit up to add more beauty to its already artistic design. Henderson waves are made of steel and wood. Steel is needed for structural purposes, while timber enhances the beauty of the parks. The bridge is equipped with benches and viewing platforms, places for rest and sightseeing corners.
Sidu Bridge
Opened in 2009, the Sidu Bridge is located 495 meters above the ground. This is taller than the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza and Big Ben. Sidu quietly rises above a river gorge in the Chinese province of Hubei, surrounded by mountains and forests. Construction was a problem due to the remote location. It was not possible to use cranes, boats or helicopters. Engineers came up with interesting idea use rockets. More than 1000 meters of cable were tied to the rockets that were sent on the other side of the gorge. This is a unique location, and a unique way of building.
millau bridge
Millau Bridge is in the Book of Records for being the tallest bridge in the world. The height of the technical masterpiece is 342 meters. The New York Times described it as a "triumph of engineering" and the BBC called it "one of the engineering marvels of the 21st century." French President Jacques Chirac opened the bridge in 2004 at a cost of approximately 394 million euros. The bridge itself crosses the Tarn valley at Millot and offers drivers some of the most stunning views in all of France, sometimes even above the clouds.
Danyang Kunshan Bridge
This bridge is the most long bridge in the world - it is 102 miles long. Railroad bridge is part of the high speed railway Beijing-Shanghai. Construction began in 2006 and the project cost an incredible $8.5 billion. More than 450,000 tons of steel were used for the structure, and 10,000 workers were constantly involved in the process. The Danyang-Kunshan Bridge entered its name in history for a long time.
Bridge of Moses
This bridge was named after Moses because it literally splits the water in two. An innovative solution was realized at the fortress of the 17th century. Initially, the bridge was supposed to be built across the moat around the fortress, but the architects had a desire not to violate the image of the fortress. They decided to camouflage the bridge and run it over the waterline to make it nearly invisible. This artistic design creates the illusion that you are walking across water, with the bridge blending in with the landscape. It is made entirely of wood and is waterproof.
Khaju Bridge
The Khaju Bridge was built by the Persian king, Shah Abbas II, during the 17th century. It has 23 arches, the bridge also functions as a dam, controlling the waters of the Zayandeh River. Remains of stone chairs built for Shah Abbas II still remain here. Here he sat admiring the performances. The central pavilion was built exclusively for his pleasure, originally as a tea house.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has become a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of New York City. It is located behind tall skyscrapers New York. The bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and crosses the East River. John A. Roebling designed the Brooklyn Bridge but died shortly before construction began. His son, Washington Roebling, continued his work, but he himself was stricken with illness and settled in an apartment overlooking the construction site. Emily Roebling, his wife, passed on his instructions to the workers and was actually the chief engineer until the bridge was completed. At the time, this was a real technical feat. In 1884, a group of circus animals, including a herd of 21 elephants, were allowed to cross the bridge to prove that the bridge was stable.
Sydney Harbor Bridge
In 1815, Francis Greenway proposed to build a bridge from north to south coast harbors. In 1890, a number of designs were presented, but they all turned out to be unsuitable. As a result, the construction of the Harbor Bridge did not begin until 1924. It took 1,400 workers, 8 years, and $6.6 million to complete the project. Six million rivets and 53,000 tons of steel were used in the construction. Today it is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world, one of the symbols of Sydney.
Pont Alexandre III
Elegance - best word to describe this bridge located in Paris. Its construction began in 1896 and ended in 1900. The structure was built in the Art Nouveau style and decorated with statues of nymphs, cherubs, winged horses, angels, ships and antique lamps along its sides, resulting in one of the most decorated bridges in the world. Despite being located in France, the bridge was named after Alexander III, Emperor of Russia, to honor the Franco-Russian alliance. Alexander's son, Nicholas II, laid the first stone at the start of construction.
Banpo Bridge
This one really amazing bridge is located in Seoul and crosses the Han River. The bridge itself was actually created in 1982, but then restored in 2007. In 2009, the project included a fountain that shoots 190 tons of water per minute from each side of the 380 spout bridge. At night, the color of Banpo resembles a rainbow thanks to 10,000 LEDs, creating various colorful effects. The water jets are dynamic and can move with the music. The Banpo Fountain Bridge is harmless to environment. The water is pumped directly from the river itself and continuously purified.
Golden Gate Bridge
Probably one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Golden Gate has become a symbol not only of San Francisco, but of the entire United States. Designed by engineer Joseph Strauss, this bridge was built to connect San Francisco to Marin County and cross the strait. It took thousands of workers, 4 years, and $35 million to complete the project. When the bridge was completed in 1937, it broke 2 records to become the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. The building has received international recognition great view on Pacific Ocean, defied the critics, praised the art deco design and its red color. The bridge's records would soon be broken in the future, but it still holds its popularity and cult status to this day.
Tower Bridge
In the 19th century, London Bridge was the only way to cross the River Thames. As London grew, the East Side became a bustling port, and it became obvious that new bridge. Planning began in 1884 when a design was selected from 50 designs. It took 8 years, 432 workers, and over 11,000 tons of steel to build what we now know as the Tower Bridge. The Prince of Wales opened the bridge in 1894. The bridge has become one of the most recognizable in the world due to its iconic design. It has 2 towers at the ends of each bank. The middle section of the bridge can be lifted up and down using hydraulics to allow ships to pass by. The bridge is not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio- a medieval bridge located in Florence and crossing the Arno River. It is so ancient that it belongs to the period of Roman times. Destroyed by a flood in 1333, the Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi. In 1565 Giorgio Vasar was commissioned to modernize the bridge and an upper corridor was added. This bridge is known for having living quarters inside it. Initially, however, these were workshops where artisans produced their goods. In 1593 they were replaced by goldsmiths because they produced too much rubbish and caused a foul stench. The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence to survive World War II unscathed.
Bridges are unusually attractive creations. Each bridge has its own character and history. Some, of course, are not so large-scale and mean something only for the surrounding residents. But there are bridges that have firmly gone down in history. We can talk about bridges endlessly, therefore we can only show some of the endless variety of these almost living creatures.
We start our journey in France. The need to build a bridge in Paris became clear in the middle of the 16th century. The structures that existed at that time, already under the influence of active traffic, became decrepit and required replacement. At the same time, it was customary to set up craft workshops and trading shops on the bridges, there were money changers, jewelers, and furniture was forged (the best examples of which can still be found today). The New Bridge was first talked about in 1556, construction began in 1578, and completed in 1607. The main difference was that it was the first bridge with sidewalks and there were no shops or houses on it. By the way, it was this idea of the builder kings that caused the greatest resistance among the merchants.
2. Le Viaduc de Millau
The Tarn River cuts through France from east to west. With the growth of the population, the flow in the south-north direction also increased every year, especially in summer along the highway leading to Spain and Southern France. The only crossing over the Tarno was a bridge in the suburb of Millau. Huge congestion, exhaust pipe emissions - no one got pleasure. And after 10 years of research, a place for construction was chosen and armed cable-stayed bridge through Tarn. This object broke several records at once. First of all, it is the owner of the highest roadway (270 m), the viaduct has the highest supports (244.91 m) and supports with pylons (343 m). in addition, this bridge is simply beautiful, its railings are made of translucent materials, which makes it possible for passers-by to enjoy the picturesque views of the Tarn valley.
Prague's Charles Bridge connected Mala Strana and Star Mesto at the beginning of the 15th century. Construction began in 1357 by order of the Emperor Charles IV. On this unique bridge there are 30 sculptures. There is an interesting belief that Saint John of Nepomut was thrown from the Charles Bridge. There is now a cross and a couple of copper nails in the exact spot. According to legend, if they touch the cross, then any wish made will come true.
This bridge is difficult to confuse with any other. Tower Bridge was built in just eight years (1886-1894). The carriageway of the bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass. But a suspension bridge was built on top at a height of 40 m for pedestrians. True, pickpockets and prostitutes quickly settled in these galleries, and after 25 years, the authorities closed access to this part of the bridge. Now (since 1982) the galleries are again available to the public as a museum and observation deck. Another interesting point is related to the support towers. In fact, these are metal structures. But outside, to protect against corrosion, they were lined with stone, as a result, the bridge took on such a solid Gothic look.
5. Szechenyi lanchid
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge to connect Pest and Buda. At the time of completion of construction in 1849, it was considered one of the wonders of the world - the bridge had the longest span of 202 m. During the war, the bridge was completely destroyed, and in 1949 it was recreated again. There are many legends and anecdotes associated with the bridge. Stone lions at the entrance to the bridge are especially loved by the inhabitants of Budapest. It was said that they do not have tongues, although they are simply not visible from below due to the high location of the animals. They also say that lions should roar at the moment when a man passes by them, who has never cheated on his wife. What is significant - until now the lions are silent ...
6. Ponte di Rialto
We continue our journey across the bridges in Italy. Here they know how to handle their history and know what to do even with outdated buildings, as in the article. Our first stop in Venice is on the very first bridge over the Grand Canal. The first time this bridge was built of wood in 1255, but during the uprising it was burned down in 1310. The bridge was restored, but in 1444 it could not withstand the weight of the crowd and collapsed, then there was a draw option, which also did not survive. And since 1591, the bridge acquired its present form in the hands of the architect Antonio de Ponte. There are 24 shops with the most expensive Venetian souvenirs on the Rialto Bridge.
7. Ponte dei Sospiri
The equally famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice is a covered structure with a roof and walls. At the beginning of the 17th century, he connected the prison and the Doge's Palace with an interrogation room and a courtroom. The name was formed from the suffering of prisoners who could see hometown V last time from the windows of the bridge on the way to the prison. Now it is believed that if lovers swim under the bridge at sunset and kiss, then their passion will be eternal.
8. Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio in Florence has ancient predecessors. At this place, the first bridge was erected in the times ancient rome, then there were 2 more bridges until this building was built in 1345. To this day, the bridge retains its original shape. By the way, once there were shops and houses of butchers on the bridge, which were replaced by jewelers in the 16th century. Another interesting detail is the corridor above the buildings, which allowed the Grand Dukes to freely pass between their residences: the Pitti Palace and the Vecchio Palace.
In just 9 years, Suleiman the Magnificent built this bridge in Mostar across the Neretva. 420 years have passed since the Ottoman occupation - and the bridge was still standing. It was destroyed only in 1993, during the Yugoslav conflict. In 2004, the bridge was restored and became a symbol of reconciliation.
10 Chapel Bridge
In Swiss Lucerne calling card is the Chapel Bridge. Back in 1365, this wooden bridge was erected, which played a significant role in the city's defensive system. The chapel was made in the form of a covered gallery, under the roof of which there were 111 triangular paintings. After the fire in 1993, most of them died, but then they were restored according to the available inventories and photos.
11. Angel Saligned Bridge
Cernavoda-Fetesti was built in Romania in 1895. At the time of construction, he held a record length - 4037 m. The bridge rises 30 m above the waters of the Danube and makes it possible for any ships to pass under it. In 1987, a new bridge was built nearby, and the old one was completely given over to tourists.
The Erasmus Bridge was built in 1996 in Rotterdam. The design is modern and very unusual. The cable-stayed bridge has a length of 808 m, at one end there is a drawbridge (the heaviest and largest in Western Europe). For its characteristic silhouette, the bridge was named Lebed.
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Usually, when it comes to ancient buildings that have survived to this day, they recall the Colosseum, leaning tower of pisa And Egyptian pyramids. But in fact, there are buildings that, although they were built thousands of years ago, are still used today. Vivid examples such structures are bridges. In our review, the 10 oldest of them.
1. Shekhara Bridge
Yemen
The Shekhara Bridge, also known as the "Bridge of Sighs" (not to be confused with the Venetian), is located in Yemen. Built in the 17th century, the bridge connects two mountains, or rather the villages located on them, at an altitude of 2600 meters. It leads a bridge over a 200-meter precipice.
In the old days, the Shekhara Bridge was the only way to a major mountain village Shekhara and it was built not only for the convenience of communication, but also for protection from Turkish invaders. They say that locals know how to bring down a bridge in just a minute, completely isolating a mountain village.
2. Ponte Vecchio
Italy
The Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 in Florence, Italy. As in the case of the Fabricio bridge, it was built to replace the old dilapidated wooden bridge. What is interesting about this bridge is that it was originally built with a bunch of shops on it, and it has survived to this day.
Initially, fish and meat merchants were located in these shops, but in the 1400s, due to an unpleasant smell that spread throughout the district, the ruler forbade trading on the bridge to anyone except jewelers and silversmiths. Today, these shops are mainly souvenir shops.
3. Rialto Bridge
Italy
The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) in Venice was built in 1591 again to replace the old destroyed wooden bridge. It was designed by the architect Antonio de Ponte, who won the competition to design the bridge from Michelangelo and Palladio. Unfortunately, after the construction, the Rialto Bridge began to be criticized by everyone and sundry, from residents to art connoisseurs, who stated that the bridge was too "massive and clumsy."
However, such a bridge (with a 24-meter-high arch to allow galleys to pass under it, and a row of shops in the middle of the bridge) simply could not be fragile and elegant.
4. Khaju Bridge
Iran
In 1667, on the foundations of the old bridge, by order of Shah Abbas II, a 133-meter arch was built across the Zayande River. a stone bridge Haju. In addition to its main function, it also acts as a dam, but its most interesting nuance is the social aspect. Right in the middle of the bridge, an impressive pavilion was built for the rest of Shah Abbas II and his courtiers. It contained comfortable seats overlooking the river, the teahouse, and the art gallery.
5. Fabricio Bridge
Italy
The Romans built many things that have stood the test of time. For example, in Rome you can see and visit the Fabricio Bridge (Pons Fabricius). The bridge was built by the doro curator Lucius Fabricius in 62 BC. to replace a burned-out wooden bridge. A 62-meter stone bridge connects the Tiber Island with the left bank of the Tiber. After a flood in 23 BC, two consuls, Marcus Lollius and Quintus Aemilius Lepidus, made adjustments to the bridge to improve it (although what exactly is unknown).
6. Jendera Bridge
Turkey
The 120-meter bridge was built in Turkey in the second century to honor the Roman emperor Septimius Severus, his wife Julia Domna and their sons Caracalla and Geta. This is one of the longest arch bridges that were built by the Romans. On each side of the bridge there are two columns that were built in honor of Emperor Septimius Severus and his wife (on one side) and their children (on the other side).
The Geta Column is currently missing. When Caracalla came to power, he killed Geta and tried to erase any mention of them. It was then that the Geta column was destroyed.
7. Anji Bridge
China
The 50-meter Anji Bridge (also known as the "Big Stone Bridge") is the oldest bridge still standing in China. It was built in 605 AD to be one of the finest in the world. At that time it was the most technically advanced bridge due to the presence of the largest arch. The bridge has survived 10 floods, eight wars and countless earthquakes, and has only been repaired nine times.
8. Bridge of the Holy Angel
Italy
Pedestrian Bridge Ponte Sant'Angelo across the Tiber River in Rome was built by order of Emperor Hadrian in 136 AD. The Ponte Sant'Angelo is one of the most famous bridges in Rome and also one of the most beautiful. He leads to the mausoleum of Hadrian (today it is the castle of the Holy Angel). In 1668, the sculptor Lorenzo Bernini decorated the bridge with 10 angels along its entire length. Each angel holds one of the symbols of Jesus' crucifixion, such as the crown of thorns.
9. Tarr Steps
Britannia
Tarr Steps Bridge in British national park Exmoor is a 55-meter structure across the Barlo River, made of stone slabs. It is not known who and when made such an unusual bridge (some scholars suggest that it could have been built around 3000 BC), but local legends say that Tarr Steps was built by the Devil himself, who swore to kill anyone who dared to cross his.
10. Arcadiko Bridge
Greece
The Arcadiko Bridge in Greece is considered the oldest surviving arch bridge in the world. Scientists believe that it was built during the Greek bronze age, about 1300-1200 BC. Arcadiko was part of the military road between the cities of Tiryns and Epidauros in the Mycenaean era. It is wider than a conventional footbridge (about 2.5m wide).
Historians believe that this was done so that chariots could safely pass over the bridge. And what is most impressive about Arcadiko is that it is made entirely of limestone boulders, without the use of cement.
Connoisseurs beautiful architecture will definitely like and. They deserve to be walked on at least once in a lifetime.
The bridge is one of ancient inventions humanity. The first bridge of a primitive man was a log across the river; after centuries, bridges began to be built of stone, fastening them with cement mortar. They served as a crossing over natural barriers and for the delivery of water. Over time, bridges have become not only a demonstration of the greatness of engineering, but also one of the most beautiful creations of man. We bring to your attention bridges-record holders in various parameters.
1. Bridge Si Du (Si Du) across the river over deep gorge near Yesanguang, Hubei Province, China. The tallest bridge in the world is 1627 feet (496m). The main span of the bridge is 2952 feet (900 m).
2. The recently completed Baluarte Bridge is the tallest cable-stayed bridge in the world, connecting the northwestern Mexican states Sinaloa, Durango and Mazatlán, where couchsurfing flourishes. It is 1124 meters (3687 feet) long and hangs at a height of 400 meters (1312 feet). The Beluarte Bridge was erected in honor of the bicentenary of Mexico's independence from Spain (1810).
3. The Royal Gorge Bridge is located on the Arkansas River near Canon City, Colorado, USA. From 1929 until 2003, he held the record as the tallest bridge in the world, 955 feet (291m) high, 938 feet (286m) span.
4. The world's highest Millau Bridge in France. This is a stunning cable structure with one mast reaching 1125 feet (338 m). The bridge crosses the Tarn valley near Millau, and on cloudy days it seems to be floating in the clouds. Designed by English architect Norman Foster, the bridge cost £272,000,000 and was funded entirely from private sources. French President Jacques Chirac called the bridge a "miracle of equilibrium" (a miracle of equilibrium).
5. China recently built the longest, 26.4 km sea bridge in the world (total length 42.5 km, but one branch is still unfinished).
6. The longest bridge in the world outside of Asia is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge in southern Louisiana, USA. Almost 24 miles (38 km) long, it is the seventh longest bridge in the world.
7. The longest bridge in the southern hemisphere is the Rio Niteroi Bridge, connecting the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi. Its length is 8.25 miles (13.290 km).
8. Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe (including viaducts) - 10.7 miles (17.2 km). It is a cable-stayed bridge surrounded by viaducts that span the Tagus River near Lisbon, Portugal. Vasco da Gama is the ninth longest bridge in the world.
9. The longest single-span suspension bridge is in the UK - the bridge over the Humber Estuary bridge. Its construction was completed in 1981, and then its length of 1410 meters was a record in the world.
10. The longest bridge in England is the Second Severn Crossing, which has a length of about 3.2 km, which is twice as long as the Humber Bridge. The bridge spanned the River Severn between England and Wales. The second stage was dug on June 5, 1996, it was built to increase the capacity of the original bridge, which was built in 1966.
11. Sutong Yangtze River Bridge - cable-stayed bridge with the longest main span in the world - 1088 meters (3570 feet). It connects two cities on opposite banks of the Yangtze River - Nantong and Changsha (China).
12. The oldest bridge in the world is Pons Fabricius or Four Heads Bridge (Ponte dei Quattro Capi) in Rome, Italy, which was built in 62 BC.
The construction of bridges in Rus' began a very long time ago. The oldest of them, due to the abundance of forests, were cut from wood. The first bridges were simply trees thrown from coast to coast (Fig. 209). With the growth and strengthening of the Kievan state and the growth of cities at the end of the 10th century, building art was also improved.
The extraordinary skill of Russian carpenters attracted attention foreign travelers. Jean Sauvage Diepsky, who visited Rus', notes: “The fence of Arkhangelsk is a castle built of pointed and cross logs; its construction of logs is excellent; there are no nails or hooks, but everything is so well finished that there is nothing to blaspheme, although the Russian builders have all the tools in the same axes; but no architect will do better than they did.”
In "Russian Truth" (1020) there is a special article "about bridgemen". In the army of Yarosdav the Wise (1019-1054) there was a special class of military builders who were called "city dwellers" - builders of fortresses, "bridgemen" - builders of bridges and crossings and "perverse masters" who arranged various kinds of machines (vices) for the siege of fortresses . Under their supervision were workers: "carpenters, woodworkers, hirelings, businessmen." Thus, already at the beginning of the 11th century, Rus' had skilled craftsmen - specialists in various fields of construction. The most common type of bridges in big rivers there were floating, so-called "living" bridges, consisting of a number of rafts, boats or barges that supported the flooring. A similar floating bridge across the Dnieper in Kyiv was built under Vladimir Monomakh in 1115. For that time, this bridge was a remarkable engineering structure.
Novgorodians have long been famous for their skill as "woodworkers", whose artistic taste and skill are evidenced by examples of the remarkable skill of their successors preserved in the north. famous bridge across the Volkhov River - the place for resolving the strife of the Novgorodians (Fig. 210) - it had supports in the form of log cabins, a gorodny with an upper through part. A log flooring (Fig. 211) of the canvas rested on it.
The span adjoining the city wall was usually made lifting and was called an erect bridge. The first annalistic indication of the construction of drawbridges dates back to 1229. Their lifting mechanism consisted of a rocker arm rotating between pillars (zheravtsy) and chains.
Ravines and small rivers were often blocked by a double or triple row of through log walls - fences connected by transverse rows of logs (Fig. 212).
Such a design existed at the end of the 18th century on the Arkhangelsk tract, which is reflected in the drawings. On the low-water channel for the free passage of water, there were holes, often to the full height of the fence, and a bridge was obtained, the abutments of which represented a two- or three-row through wall. Spring waters passed into the shared horizontal slots between adjacent rows of logs. The next step was bridges with ribbed supports made of solid walls, which were filled with stone or earth. One of the surviving bridges of this type is shown in fig. 213, 214. It is located on the river. Kene near the village of Ovchinkonets (Fyodorovskoye). To reduce the span, short pieces in the form of consoles were produced from the row. One of the bridges with such outlets (Fig. 215) has been preserved in the Caucasus along the Sukhumi road.
The Tatar invasion delayed the development of Russian engineering and, in particular, the construction of bridges.
The only exceptions were Novgorod and Pskov, which were not directly affected by the invasion of the Tatar hordes. In the XV-XVI centuries, the Pskov rozmysl were especially famous in Rus', which also worked in other cities.
During the period of strengthening of the Moscow principality, during the process of unification of the Russian state, the construction of bridges was also revived.
Bridges played a significant role in military operations. Under Dmitry Donskoy, during the siege of Tver, a bridge was built across the Volga, and during the war with the Tatars, across the Don (1380). More than once such bridges were built in Novgorod. During the fight against Moscow, a wooden floating wall was built here on the Volkhov (1477). It is known that during the campaign of Ivan III he also built a floating bridge near Novgorod. "Alive" were the first wooden bridges Moscow: Moskvoretsky, Krymsky and others (Fig. 216).
Notes
1. In the Novgorod chronicle it is said in one place: “The same autumn (1335) brought ice and snow into the Volkhov and above the city of the great bridge.”2. The bridge was measured in 1946 by arch. Opolovnikov and Zabello, to whom the above drawings belong. The dam built in 1528 by the Ignorant Pskovityanin across the Volkhov in Novgorod was just of this type with ridges thrown with stone.
3. Builders at that time were called "reasons", "ward masters", "city thinkers", etc.
