Pontoon bridge

Pontoon bridges are floating bridges supported by barge- or boat-like pontoons to support the bridge deck and its dynamic loads. While pontoon bridges are usually temporary structures, some are used for long periods of time. Permanent floating bridges are useful for sheltered water-crossings where it is not considered economically feasible to suspend a bridge from anchored piers. Such bridges can require a section that is elevated, or can be raised or removed, to allow ships to pass.

Related Topics:
Bridge - Pontoon - Pier - Ship

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Submerged floating-tube bridges have been considered for use across ocean straits and even across entire oceans. The construction of such a tunnel was featured in the alternative history novel A Transatlantic Tunnel, Hurrah! by Harry Harrison. It is estimated that a submerged floating tunnel would be two to three times more costly to build than a floating bridge, and the technology remains unproven. No submerged floating tunnel exists in the world at present.

Related Topics:
Strait - Ocean - Alternative history - A Transatlantic Tunnel, Hurrah! - Harry Harrison - Tunnel - Bridge

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