Suspension Bridge over the Zambezi in Tete—Original Stringer Bronze Bearings versus Recent Modification

Abstract This paper addresses the role of the bearings under the stringers of the suspension bridge over the Zambezi River in Tete (Mozambique). The original bronze solution is compared with a recent modification using neoprene. It is proved that the higher stiffness of the original bearings is more efficient than the neoprene flexibility. A similar behavior can be observed in most stone structures and the conclusions may be generalized. The paper falls within the scope of recent research at the University of Beira Interior, aiming to develop concepts for new prestressed stone structures, using the force paths approach. It was motivated by a controversy over a recent structural rehabilitation of the Tete Bridge. The fundamental issue is related to the rotation of the suspended cross-beams. The original solution proves to be adequate because it is based on metallic plates in the contact zones between the cross-beams and the stringers. Replacing stiff components by flexible neoprene elements changes the fundamental characteristics of the original solution and reduces the capacity to generate rotational equilibrium under traffic loads within the range of small displacements.