Which railing consists of steel cables tensioned between posts and is commonly used on pedestrian bridges or bridges with architectural considerations?

• A. Steel tube railings
• B. W-beam bridge railings
• C. Cable railings
• D. Box beam guardrails

Answer: (C)

Railing designs differ in openness, load behavior, and the setting they’re meant for. Cable railings use steel cables tensioned between posts, creating a barrier that is visually very open. This makes them ideal for pedestrian bridges and architectural contexts because they maintain sightlines, offer a contemporary look, and still provide safety when properly installed. The tensioned cables carry the necessary lateral restraint while the posts bear the main loads, with a top rail or handrail for grip.

Steel tube railings, by contrast, are solid and heavier, giving a more enclosed, traditional feel and are used where a robust, continuous barrier is desired. W-beam and box beam guardrails are heavy highway-type barriers designed to protect vehicles; they’re less about aesthetics or openness and more about redirecting vehicle impact, so they’re not typically chosen for pedestrian bridges or architectural settings.