Why 3 bridges in 1? The fascinating Albert Bridge in London UK!

The Albert Bridge in London is a unique 3-in-1 bridge! That’s 3 bridge systems on top of each other in one span!
There’s the original “Ordish-Lefeuvre” system, which is a cable-stayed bridge with an upper suspension cable that supports the middle of the deck. That’s 1. There were added vertical hangers soon after it opened from the upper cable to the deck which makes a full suspension bridge. That’s 2. Then many years later there was a support added underneath the center of the span making it act as a beam bridge. That’s 3!
It also has a famous sign at the entrance about “troops breaking step” that relates to previous issues with vertical vibration…and the chosen paint and nighttime light system just make this a glorious bridge over the River Thames!
I go and see this bridge every time I visit London…
I'm Paul Kassabian. I'm a structural engineer and a Principal at SGH in Boston, MA. I taught graduate students at MIT for nine years, Harvard's Graduate School of Design (GSD) for five years and am currently teaching at RISD (Fall 2023). These are videos based on my structural design projects and years of teaching structures to students.
MUSIC:
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Composer: Alastor Oruntsio.
Title: Classic Traditional Oldschool British Pop Rock Ost (17).
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Note: I chose music to match the Chelsea British old school vibe!

[@CH-ed2el]

I love this bridge. Plein Air artists flock to it for its beauty. Thank you for posting.

[@freeman10000]

Aussie here. When I was a kid I lived in London for a few years and Albert bridge was my favourite.

[@vincentwilliams3994]

Many years ago I built a miniature replica of this bridge as designed by an architect to cross a small stream in his garden. Nice to learn more about the original structure that inspired his project.

[@deborabretas4974]

Paul I'm a huge fan from Brazil. I teach structures for Architectural students and learn a lot from you.

[@PaulKassabian]

Thanks!

[@foosianghwee]

Your experiences and teachings are amazing!!! would really love to see your views and analysis on the Baltimore Bridge that collapsed

[@schoolofducttape]

Excellent video, straight into it!

[@PaulKassabian]

Yup! Thanks!

[@randallthomas5207]

Quite neat, thanks for showing it. Just out of curiosity, Was this material efficient, when designed?

[@carlosgarciaterrones6970]

Hi Paul, Cool videos brother thanks! I am an undergrad and cant decide between civil or structural ? Any advice?

[@patricksmart5673]

Why didn't they do the same for Hammersmith bridge? Instead they let weeds grow all over it and they only imposed weight restrictions when it was too late. Now there isn't much hope for Hammersmith bridge. Unless an American tycoon buys it and rebuilds it in Arizona.

[@AC-LING666]

Chelsea bridge down the road is 10x nicer and better then this bridge