ABSTRACT
Floating bridges are cost-effective solutions for crossing large bodies of water with unusual depth and very soft bottom where conventional piers are impractical. A modern floating bridge may be constructed of wood, concrete, steel, or a combination of materials, depending on the design requirements. The concept of a floating bridge takes advantage of the natural law of buoyancy of water to support the dead and live loads. Wind blowing over water generates a sea state that induces horizontal, vertical, and torsional loads on the floating bridge. A floating bridge must have adequate capacity to safely sustain potential damages resulting from small vessel collision, debris or log impact, flooding, and loss of a mooring cable or component. Damage to the floating bridge could occur from a wind storm, a collision by a boat, severing of mooring lines, or other unforeseen accidents.
