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engineering
London Eye Engineering – Structure & Systems
How the London Eye works: spoke cables, hub axle, bearings, control systems, foundations and wind load management.
11/11/2025
18 min read
The Eye behaves like an enormous bicycle wheel: a rim stabilized by tensioned spokes anchored to a hub and giant A‑frame.
1) Structural Anatomy
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Rim | Carries capsule loads and transfers forces to spokes |
| Spoke Cables | Tensioned elements stabilizing the rim |
| Hub + Spindle | Central axle assembly distributing loads |
| A‑Frame + Backstay | Supports the wheel, resists overturning |
| Foundations | Transfer loads into the riverbank ground |
2) Rotation & Controls
- Rotation ~30 minutes per cycle; speed low enough to allow boarding without full stops in normal conditions.
- Drive systems and brakes are redundantly configured; operators can pause for accessibility boarding.
3) Wind & Weather
- High winds increase dynamic loading; thresholds trigger slow/stop procedures.
- Lightning protection and continuous monitoring layer safety margins.
4) Maintenance
- Bearings, cables and fasteners undergo scheduled inspections.
- LED lighting and control firmware receive periodic upgrades.
Bottom Line
Tension, redundancy and conservative wind policies make the Eye both elegant and reliable.
Om författaren
Structural Systems Analyst
Jag gjorde den här guiden för att hjälpa dig välja bra tider, undvika köer och få ut mer av skyline‑vyerna.
Tags
engineering
spoke cables
hub axle
wind load
foundations
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