Bridge
A structure built to span an obstacle - such as a river.
Abutments
The side support at either end of an arch bridge, necessary to withstand the horizontal forces generated by the arch's shape.
Bascule Bridge
The deck is raised with counterweights like a drawbridge.
Beam Bridge
A simple type of bridge, composed of horizontal beams supported by vertical posts.
Cable-Stayed Bridge
A bridge in which the roadway deck is suspended from cables anchored to one or more towers.
Continuous Span Beam Bridge
Simple bridge made by linking one beam bridge to another; some of the longest bridges in the world are continuous span beam bridges.
Deck
Supported roadway on a bridge. Usually horizontal, and often suspended from cables or resting on an arch.
Drawbridge
The deck can be raised and lowered.
Footers
The stones at the base of a bridge structure that take the loads onto the foundations.
Lift Bridge
The deck is raised vertically like a massive elevator.
Movable Bridge
A bridge in which the deck moves to clear a navigation channel.
Pier
The support of a bridge below the roadway.
Pylon
The tower above a bridge deck that usually carries cable stays.
Suspension Bridge
A bridge in which the roadway deck is suspended from cables that pass over two towers; the cables are anchored in housings at either end of the bridge.
Swing Bridge
The deck that rotates around a centre point.
See also: Ammann, Othmar Herrmann, Arrol, Sir William, Baker, Sir Benjamin, Bascule Bridge, Beam Bridge, Bollman, Wendel, Cable-Stayed Bridge, Cardoso, Edgar, Continuous Span Beam Bridge, Deck, Drawbridge, Footers, Lift Bridge, Movable Bridge, Pylon, Span, Suspended Deck, Suspension Bridge, Swing Bridge, Viaduct.
Subjects: Civil Engineering
- Weblinks:
- pghbridges.com Bridge basics, a spotters guide to bridge design.