Ways to Support a Cable Rope Walking Bridge

Rope and cable bridges are constructed with materials such as wood, steel cable, chain and rope. The construction of cable rope bridges requires the suspension and attachment of high-tension cables that must hold both a vertical and horizontal load. This stress can apply unnatural pressure on trees used to hold the bridge so care and caution should be used.

  1. Types of Bridges

    • Cable rope walking bridges can take the form of simple, two-rope bridges or more complex tension bridges with a wooden deck to allow easier walking for users. Simple cable rope bridges can consist of nylon or steel cable ropes capable of withstanding high tension. A simple design calls for a single rope or cable for users to walk across and another rope or cable at a higher height for users to hold as they make their way across the bridge. A second rope hold can be added to allow users to spread their arms and balance in an easier fashion. A wooden deck can be included by suspending two ropes 2 to 3 feet apart and attaching wood planks between these ropes.

    Large Bridges

    • Large cable rope walking bridges can be attached to towers erected specifically for the purpose. In situations spanning large areas, a rope bridge creates too great a force to attach the bridge to trees which may crack under the pressure. To traverse large areas, support towers should be erected that are buried with concrete footings. To ensure their safety, towers should be designed by an engineer.

    Attaching the Bridge

    • In order to ensure the cables used to span the bridge do not break or become loose, rope attachments can be spread between various trees to distribute the loads between multiple points. The options for attaching the required rope or cable to a tree or tower include heavy-duty eyebolts set at a 45- or 90-degree angle, according to The Treehouse Guide.

    Support of Bridges

    • When installing a wooden deck on a rope bridge, creating the correct tension in the cables to support the weight of people crossing the bridge is difficult. Tightening the cables by hand is not usually sufficient for supporting a cable rope bridge. Block and pulley, and ratchet systems are often used for setting adequate tension.