Skywalk to offer thrilling Grand Canyon view



Presenting the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass, U-shaped walkway that extends 70 feet over the edge of the Grand Canyon. The glass bridge is suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River and will have a glass bottom and sides.

Now while we all wonder if this thing is really going to be able to hold up to our expectations, this might give you (a little?) more reassurance

“On May 2005, the final test was conducted and the structure passed engineering requirements by 400 percent, enabling it to withstand the weight of 71 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes (more that 71 million pounds).

The bridge will be able to sustain winds in excess of 100 miles per hour from 8 different directions, as well as an 8.0 magnitude earthquake within 50 miles. More than one million pounds of steel will go into the construction of the Grand Canyon Skywalk.”

Three oscillating dampers -- steel plates, each 3,200 pounds -- inside the hollow bridge beams act as shock absorbers, moving up and down to neutralize the vibrations from foot traffic and wind gusts. For further support, the walkway itself will be constructed of three-inch-thick, heat-strengthened glass and enclosed by five-foot-tall glass walls.



Unthinkable if Tsunami hits

http://www.roadstothefuture.com/I664_VA_MMMBT_Aerial.html