ABSTRACT
The suspension bridge over the moot of Wissekerke’s castle spans 20.5 m between the abutments and has a deck width of 2 m (see figure 2). The suspension system is doubled up and is entirely symmetrical about the longitudinal bridge axis . At the middle of the span, the suspension chain has a central height of 1.1 m above the deck and follows a catenary line up to 2.2 m
above the deck at bridge’s extremities (being the cast iron masts which themselves have a height of 2.9 m). The wrought iron suspension chain cable consists of individual plates (1 m length, rectangular cross-section of 31 mm × 14 mm) that are pinned together with a connection to the railing. The chain goes through the masts and is anchored to the abutment. The longitudinal stability of the system is guaranteed by a strut and tie configuration fixed to the abutment. The transverse stability of the bridge is ensured by the mast portal frame. No information is available about the abutments. This study did not consider the bridge foundations.
