Synthetic fiber ropes to replace steel wire in pedestrian suspension bridges

Stunted economic development of rural mountainous regions is attributed to inadequate infrastructure. Basic heath care and education are denied due to limited means of transport to hospitals and centers of learning. These areas are also inaccessible to relief measures during natural calamities. The paper suggests using synthetic hand made ropes which enhance the cottage industry and provide a novel structural type overcoming the drawbacks of a suspension bridge for pedestrian crossings. Steel wire ropes used for pedestrian suspension bridges prove to be highly redundant given the loads they face during their lifetime. Additionally, the cost of replacement of corroded wire is higher as the frequency of replacement goes up under various climatic conditions. This study makes an attempt to suggest an alternative to steel wire in the form of ropes made from non-biodegradable high-strength polymer. The capacity of these ropes has been proven in more severe environments where they are currently being used.