Sand dune bridges and methods of protecting sand dunes

摘要

A sand dune bridge is configured with a suspension span which spans a sand dune from first pilings on a landward side of the dune to second pilings in or adjacent to a seaward side of the dune. A ramp extends from the second pilings to the beach. The ramp may also be in the form of a suspension bridge wherein step carriages are suspended intermediate the ends thereof so that pilings are needed only at the ends of the carriages. The suspension arrangement uses a pair of cables extending between the pilings with bridge decking supported on stringers which are attached to lateral beams suspended from hangers extending downwardly from the cables. The bridge decking and step treads have openings therethrough for the passage of sand, air and water.