Abstract
Tremendous progress has been made in the construction of long span bridges within the last two centuries. In this evolution structural concepts and strength of materials used have played key roles. The limiting span is defined as that span at which the structural system will just support itself. Comparison is made between limiting spans of cable-stayed bridges made of steel and of advanced composites. The use of advanced composites would allow the tripling of the limiting span in comparison to steel structures. To compare the quantities of material required for the cables of suspension and cable-stayed bridges, calculations are performed. The results are shown within a proposal for an advanced composites bridge across the Strait of Gibraltar.
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