ABSTRACT
Abstract Opened to the public in 1906 the Newport Transporter Bridge is one of only a handful still in existence. It is an unusual structure because of the hybrid cable support arrangement which utilises both cable stayed and parabolic suspension systems. In the summer of 1992 a comprehensive programme of refurbishment was embarked upon to preserve the structure. In order to issue enquiries for the supply of new cables it was necessary to investigate the behaviour of individual cables and the response of the structure to the proposed sequence of the works. This paper reviews what is believed would have been the designer's understanding of the behaviour of the structure. It compares this with what can be deduced from the current geometry of the structure, and it describes the procedures by which replacement cable profiles and loads were determined.
