The basic structural system consists of flexible main cables from which are suspended girders or trusses that carry the deck framing.  The weight of the bridge is supported by the cables which are acting in tension.  The cables pull on on the anchorages and the towers which are in compression.

Suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges are alike, however they are different.  In suspension bridges, the cables ride freely across the towers, transmitting the load to the anchorages at either end. In cable-stayed bridges, the cables are attached to the towers, which alone bear the load.

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