Suspension bridge main-cable tension
Suspension bridge main-cable tension is the pulling force transmitted along a main cable to support the structure and its loads.
Also known as: suspension bridge cable force
How big is it?
200 MN of force
Defined main-cable tension · defined engineering model
Typical recorded range: 100 MN to 500 MN.
A little perspective
About 6.56 times the approximate total liftoff thrust of Space Shuttle liftoff thrust.
Space Shuttle liftoff thrust: Space Shuttle liftoff thrust is the total upward force produced by its engines and boosters to launch the shuttle from Earth.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Suspension bridge main-cable tension
A defined 200 MN tension in one main cable of a very large suspension bridge. Actual tension varies along the cable and with span geometry, dead load, traffic, wind and temperature.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined main-cable tension is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Space Shuttle liftoff thrust
Approximately 30.5 MN at liftoff from two Solid Rocket Boosters plus three Space Shuttle Main Engines. Thrust changes through ascent and quoted totals vary with engine rating and atmospheric convention.
NASA Technical Reports Server — Space Shuttle transportation system
The marked approximate total liftoff thrust is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 200 MN
For comparison, this page uses defined main-cable tension. This is labelled defined engineering model: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 100 MN to 500 MN.
A defined 200 MN tension in one main cable of a very large suspension bridge. Actual tension varies along the cable and with span geometry, dead load, traffic, wind and temperature.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Suspension bridge main-cable tension dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 MN | 100 MN to 500 MN | defined engineering model |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible weight records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · GravitySLS Block 1 liftoff thrust39 MNSLS Block 1 liftoff thrust is the total propulsive force produced by the Space Launch System Block 1 rocket at launch.Nearest higher value · GravityAircraft carrier buoyant support force1,000 MNAircraft carrier buoyant support force is the upward force from water that counteracts the weight of an aircraft carrier, enabling it to float.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Built worldGolden Gate Bridge tower227 mThe Golden Gate Bridge tower is one of the two main vertical supports for the suspension bridge in San Francisco.GravityAircraft carrier buoyant support force1,000 MNAircraft carrier buoyant support force is the upward force from water that counteracts the weight of an aircraft carrier, enabling it to float.GravitySpace Shuttle liftoff thrust30.5 MNSpace Shuttle liftoff thrust is the total upward force produced by its engines and boosters to launch the shuttle from Earth.GravitySLS Block 1 liftoff thrust39 MNSLS Block 1 liftoff thrust is the total propulsive force produced by the Space Launch System Block 1 rocket at launch.GravitySaturn V liftoff thrust34 MNSaturn V liftoff thrust is the combined force generated by the Saturn V rocket's first stage engines during launch.GravityWind turbine tower base load20 MNThe wind turbine tower base load is the downward force exerted at the base of a wind turbine tower due to the weight of the structure and the effects of wind.GravityFalcon 9 liftoff thrust7.6 MNFalcon 9 liftoff thrust is the total force produced by the Falcon 9 rocket's engines to lift it off the launch pad.GravityLaunch escape thrust of a Soyuz rocket4 MNThis is the force produced by the Soyuz rocket's launch escape system to rapidly move the crew capsule away in an emergency.