Kobe earthquake shifts bridge pylons

The Kobe earthquake of January 17, 1995, caused the two pylons of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to shift by approximately one meter. The bridge was still under construction at the time, and the displacement altered the central span slightly.

Bridge's central span adjusted

Originally planned to be 1,990 meters, the central span of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge was extended by one meter due to the earthquake. This change was made before the bridge's deck was constructed, allowing for flexibility in the design.

Engineering response to the shift

Engineers adjusted the lattice structure and the attachment points of the cable hangers to accommodate the one-meter increase in span. The bridge’s deck, made of a steel lattice, was designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments without altering the main structure.

Bridge's record and specifications

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge opened in 1998 and held the record for the longest bridge span until 2022. Its total length is 3,911 meters, with a central span of 1,991 meters and two additional spans of 960 meters each.

Historical context of the bridge

The project began in 1988 after earlier plans were put on hold due to economic conditions. The initial design for a combined rail and road link was changed to a six-lane road, constructed by over 100 companies.

Discrepancies in measurements

Different sources report slightly different measurements for the pylon displacement, ranging from 80 centimeters to one meter. However, all agree that the final central span of the bridge is 1,991 meters.