A floating pontoon bridge is a structure that floats on the water surface using boats or pontoon tanks instead of traditional bridge piers. The system consists of floating piers, panels, distribution beams, and cable air systems.

Key design factors include road conditions, performance requirements, pontoon structure, technical drawings, and environmental conditions.

The design must meet performance objectives including safety, durability, quality, ease of maintenance, environmental harmony, and economic efficiency. Structural type selection considers topographic, geological, and geographic conditions.

With proper maintenance and low cycle costs, floating pontoon bridges typically last 75-100 years, though environmental factors like wind, waves, currents, and corrosion significantly impact longevity.

Primary load considerations include:

• Static and dynamic loads
• Impact loads (collisions)
• Earth pressure and hydrostatic pressure
• Wind and wave factors
• Seismic and temperature factors
• Water flow and tidal changes

Water level changes from tides, tsunamis, and storm surges are critical control loads. Wave patterns create horizontal, vertical, and torsional loads depending on wind speed, direction, duration, and channel characteristics.

Primary materials are steel and concrete, with special attention to corrosion protection:

• Watertight marine concrete for pontoons
• Cathodic protection below waterline
• Surface treatments including painting, metal coatings
• Special protection for splash zones and tidal areas

Three equilibrium states determine stability:

1. Stable balance - returns to position after tilt
2. Unstable equilibrium - may overturn
3. Accidental balance - no restoring torque

Key design elements include:

• Wave barriers for wave heights up to 2.5m
• Potential flow theory for water wave analysis
• Superstructure type selection and corrosion protection
• Floating body design including collision prevention

Floating pontoon bridges serve multiple purposes including pedestrian walkways, road crossings, railway bridges, and emergency situations.