Bridge (cable bridge) is a metallic or non-metallic structural system used to support and protect cables and pipelines, which is widely used in the fields of construction, electric power, and communication. Its development history is closely related to the industrial revolution, electrification process and modern building technology.

First, the origin and development of the bridge 

1. Pre-industrial era (before the 19th century) 

Early cable support: in the era of electricity is not yet widespread, the early concept of ‘bridge’ can be traced back to the wooden or stone grooves, brackets, used to fix the early telegraph wires or simple lighting lines.

The influence of railways and bridges: the construction of railways and bridges in the 19th century promoted the development of metal bracket technology, which provided a structural reference for the later cable-stayed bridges.

2. Electrification Revolution (late 19th century - early 20th century) 

Edison and Early Electricity System: In 1879, after Edison invented the electric light, cities began to lay electric wires, initially using wooden or metal wire troughs to fix the cables.

The birth of steel cable tray: In the early 20th century, with the increased need for electrification in factories and large buildings, steel cable trays (Cable Tray) appeared and became the prototype of modern bridge.

3. Standardisation and industrialisation (mid to late 20th century) 

Post-WWII building boom: the expansion of high-rise buildings, factories and infrastructure drove the standardised production of bridges.

Material innovations: 

Steel bridges: anti-corrosive galvanising techniques (e.g. hot dip galvanising) increased durability.

Aluminium bridges: lightweight and corrosion-resistant for scenarios such as data centres.

Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) bridges: insulated and corrosion resistant, used in chemical and marine engineering.

4. Intelligent and Modular (21st century to present) 

Data centre and 5G construction: high-density cabling demand pushes bridge to modular and expandable direction.

Fire prevention and environmental protection requirements: fire-resistant bridges (e.g., fire-resistant coatings), low-smoke, non-halogen (LSZH) materials are widely used.