Designed by Michel Virlogeux and Norman Foster, completed in 3 years at €394 million. Links two limestone plateaus across Tarn River valley in southern France. Construction began in late 2001, with 7 pillars weighing 700 tons each. Pillar P2 set world record at 244.96 meters, breaking previous record
Opened July 1, 1940, nicknamed "Galloping Gertie" for deck movement. Collapsed November 7, 1940 due to aeroelastic flutter. First suspension bridge using solid I-beams for deck support. Collapse documented in 16mm Kodachrome film, preserved in National Film Registry
Expansion joints hold parts together while absorbing temperature-induced movement. Commonly found in buildings, bridges, railway tracks, and piping systems. Prevent cracking in structures due to temperature variations
Connects San Francisco Bay to Pacific Ocean through San Francisco and Marin Peninsulas. Formed during last ice age by glacier-fed Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. First European passage occurred in 1775 by Juan de Ayala's San Carlos. Named "Golden Gate" in 1846 by John C. Frémont
Towers support bridge deck with cables running directly from them. World's longest cable-stayed bridge is Russky Bridge at 1,104 meters. Towers are primary load-bearing structures, cables support deck
First recorded in China during 11th century BC by King Wen. Temporary pontoon bridges likely invented during 9th-8th century BC. First secure permanent pontoons built during Qin dynasty (221-207 BC). Ancient Greeks and Romans constructed famous pontoon bridges across Hellespont