The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is a marvel of modern engineering, connecting Honshu to Awaji Island. This massive suspension bridge has withstood powerful earthquakes and typhoons since its completion.
This quiz looks at the construction history, structural details, and unique safety features of the bridge. You will see questions about its dimensions, materials, and how it survived the 1995 Kobe earthquake.
After testing your memory on this structure, explore our quizzes on famous bridges, look into towering skyscrapers and towers, or visit other stunning global landmarks.
The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge connects the city of Kobe on Honshu to which Japanese island?
Kyushu
Kyushu
Awaji Island
Awaji Island
Hokkaido
Hokkaido
Shikoku
Shikoku
The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge spans which major waterway in Japan?
Akashi Strait
Akashi Strait
Ise Bay
Ise Bay
Osaka Bay
Osaka Bay
Tokyo Bay
Tokyo Bay
What is the structural type of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge?
Cable-stayed bridge
Cable-stayed bridge
Suspension bridge
Suspension bridge
Steel girder bridge
Steel girder bridge
Truss bridge
Truss bridge
What is the length of the central span of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge?
1,991 meters
1,991 meters
2,001 meters
2,001 meters
1,981 meters
1,981 meters
1,971 meters
1,971 meters
Construction of the bridge was significantly impacted by which major 1995 seismic event?
Fukuoka Earthquake
Fukuoka Earthquake
Kobe Earthquake
Kobe Earthquake
Tokyo Earthquake
Tokyo Earthquake
Nagoya Earthquake
Nagoya Earthquake
By how much did the distance between the two main towers increase due to the 1995 earthquake?
2 meters
2 meters
3 meters
3 meters
4 meters
4 meters
1 meter
1 meter
Why was the bridge deck design modified during construction following the 1995 earthquake?
To make the bridge easier to climb for maintenance
To make the bridge easier to climb for maintenance
To account for the increased span after the earthquake movement
To account for the increased span after the earthquake movement
To allow for thermal expansion/contraction
To allow for thermal expansion/contraction
To enhance aesthetic appeal
To enhance aesthetic appeal
What engineering device is used to mitigate wind-induced vibrations in the bridge’s towers?
Pendulum mass dampers
Pendulum mass dampers
Hydraulic shock absorbers
Hydraulic shock absorbers
Rubber dampers
Rubber dampers
Tuned mass dampers
Tuned mass dampers
What material was primarily used to form the main suspension cables of the bridge?
Carbon fiber composites
Carbon fiber composites
Aluminum alloy rods
Aluminum alloy rods
Corrosion resistant steel
Corrosion resistant steel
High-strength galvanized steel wire
High-strength galvanized steel wire
The Akashi Kaikyō bridge is a key component of the transportation link connecting which two major Japanese islands?
Kyushu and Shikoku
Kyushu and Shikoku
Kobe and Shikoku
Kobe and Shikoku
Honshu and Shikoku
Honshu and Shikoku
Honshu and Kyushu
Honshu and Kyushu
The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is designed to have a service life of approximately how many years?
200 years
200 years
250 years
250 years
150 years
150 years
100 years
100 years
What magnitude of earthquake is the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge engineered to withstand?
7.5 magnitude
7.5 magnitude
7.0 magnitude
7.0 magnitude
8.5 magnitude
8.5 magnitude
8.0 magnitude
8.0 magnitude
In what year was the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge officially opened to traffic?
1996
1996
1994
1994
2000
2000
1998
1998
Why are tuned mass dampers installed inside the main towers of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge?
To control structural resonance and vibrations
To control structural resonance and vibrations
To generate emergency electricity for the toll booths
To generate emergency electricity for the toll booths
To provide thermal insulation for the cables
To provide thermal insulation for the cables
To adjust the height of the roadway based on traffic
To adjust the height of the roadway based on traffic
What type of foundation system supports the main towers of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge?
Suspended tension-leg systems
Suspended tension-leg systems
Direct dry-land bedrock anchors only
Direct dry-land bedrock anchors only
Floating pontoon platforms
Floating pontoon platforms
Steel caissons placed on the seafloor
Steel caissons placed on the seafloor
What is the total length of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge?
4,111 meters
4,111 meters
3,911 meters
3,911 meters
4,011 meters
4,011 meters
3,811 meters
3,811 meters
What major environmental factor dictated the specific aerodynamic shape of the bridge deck?
Frequent typhoons causing extreme wind speeds
Frequent typhoons causing extreme wind speeds
Constant geological shifting of the seabed
Constant geological shifting of the seabed
High humidity throughout the year
High humidity throughout the year
Very high currents
Very high currents
What innovation is used inside the main cables to prevent their corrosion?
Plastic jacket encasement
Plastic jacket encasement
Paint coating
Paint coating
Stainless steel wrapping
Stainless steel wrapping
Dehumidified air system (dry air injection)
Dehumidified air system (dry air injection)
What is the romantic nickname often given to the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge?
The Sky Link Bridge
The Sky Link Bridge
The Dragon Crossing Bridge
The Dragon Crossing Bridge
The Bridge of Pearls
The Bridge of Pearls
The Diamond Bridge
The Diamond Bridge
The bridge is designed to withstand wind gusts of up to how many kilometers per hour?
296 km/h
296 km/h
276 km/h
276 km/h
306 km/h
306 km/h
286 km/h
286 km/h
In which year did major construction work (foundations and towers) on the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge begin?
1989
1989
1990
1990
1988
1988
1987
1987
What is the height of each of the two main towers of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge?
282.8 meters
282.8 meters
262.8 meters
262.8 meters
272.8 meters
272.8 meters
252.8 meters
252.8 meters
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