Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: A Symbol of Japan’s Proud Suspension Bridge

The Akashi Strait is a crucial strait that connects Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea and is approximately 4km wide and 110m deep at its maximum. The maximum tidal current speed can reach 4.5m/s, making it an essential maritime traffic hub with more than 1,400 ships navigating through it each day. The strait is also designated as an international route under the Maritime Traffic Safety Law.

The construction of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge was a significant challenge due to harsh natural and social conditions. The bridge was designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 80m/s and major earthquakes, such as the Hyogo-ken Nanbu Earthquake. Additionally, it was necessary to construct a foundation that could withstand a maximum vertical force of about 120,000 tons on the seabed at a depth of 60m, where a rapid current with a maximum speed of 4.5m/s flows.

Moreover, the bridge has a central span length of 1,991m, about twice the size of the largest 1,000m-class suspension bridge in Japan at the time. Many new technologies were developed and built using those new technologies as well. The bridge has a road surface height of about 97m above sea level at the center of the central span and a navigation channel height of about 65m above sea level. A large wind tunnel model was implemented for wind resistance stability.