Criss-cross Diagonals Are Used Instead of Vertical Hangers

Why Criss-cross Diagonals Are Used Instead of Vertical Hangers
in Mumbai Coastal Road’s Bowstring Bridge

flowchart TD A[Bridge Deck Load] --> B[Transfer to Hanger System] B --> C1[Option 1: Vertical Hangers] B --> C2[Option 2: Criss-cross Diagonals] C1 --> D1[High Localized Stress in Arch] D1 --> E1[More Vibration & Fatigue in Hangers] E1 --> F1[Uneven Load Distribution] F1 --> G1[Reduced Service Life] C2 --> D2[Load Shared Between Diagonals] D2 --> E2[Triangulated Load Path → Stiffer Structure] E2 --> F2[Better Distribution to Arch & Deck] F2 --> G2[Minimized Fatigue and Deflection] G2 --> H2[Enhanced Durability & Aesthetics] style A fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#2e7d32,stroke-width:2px style B fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1565c0,stroke-width:2px style C1 fill:#ffebee,stroke:#c62828,stroke-width:2px style C2 fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#2e7d32,stroke-width:2px style G2 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#1b5e20,stroke-width:2px style G1 fill:#ffcdd2,stroke:#b71c1c,stroke-width:2px

Explanation: In the Mumbai Coastal Road’s bowstring bridge, criss-cross hangers (diagonal cables) form a triangulated system that prevents deck flutter and oscillations. They distribute loads more uniformly between deck and arch, improving fatigue resistance and reducing bending moments in the arch. Vertical hangers, in contrast, lead to local concentration of stresses and lower dynamic stability.