Intro to Bridges

Question 1

What is an abutment?

Answer 1

A mass, as of masonry, receiving the arch, beam, truss, etc., at each end of a bridge.

Question 2

What is an arch bridge?

Answer 2

A bridge that forms the shape of an arch.

Question 3

What is a beam?

Answer 3

A long, rigid, horizontal support member of a structure.

Question 4

What is a beam bridge?

Answer 4

A bridge that consists of beams supported by columns (piers, towers).

Question 5

What is a column?

Answer 5

A long, rigid, vertical (upright) support member of a structure.

Question 6

What is compression?

Answer 6

A pushing force that tends to shorten objects.

Question 7

What is a deck?

Answer 7

The ‘top’ of the bridge on which we drive or walk.

Question 8

What is an engineer?

Answer 8

A person who applies her/his understanding of science and mathematics to creating things for the benefit of humanity and our world.

Question 9

What is a pier?

Answer 9

The ‘column’ of a bridge.

Question 10

What is a span?

Answer 10

The length of a bridge between two piers.

Question 11

What is a suspension bridge?

Answer 11

A bridge in which the deck is hung from cables.

Question 12

What is tension?

Answer 12

A pulling or stretching force that tends to lengthen objects.

Question 13

What are the PRIMARY elements in design, engineering, and construction?

Answer 13

The PRIMARY elements are cable, arch, columns, beams, trusses, and frames. (FACCBT)

Question 14

How can the PRIMARY elements be used in bridge construction?

Answer 14

They can be used in combination to create the tension and compression necessary to support the needs of the bridge construction.

Question 15

What factors do the PRIMARY elements support in bridge construction?

Answer 15

They support load, environment, spanning distance, etc.

Question 16

How is compression created in arches?

Answer 16

Arches primarily experience compressive forces. The curved shape allows them to transfer loads down to the supports, effectively handling weight and maintaining stability.

Question 17

How is tension created in an arch?

Answer 17

Some tension can occur at the top of the arch where it connects to the structure, especially under uneven loading.

Question 18

What happens to cables when subjected to compression?

Answer 18

Cables can buckle if subjected to compression.

Question 19

What is the primary force that cables are designed to handle?

Answer 19

Cables are primarily under tension, carrying loads by pulling.

Question 20

How do cables transfer weight?

Answer 20

Cables efficiently transfer weight from one point to another, such as in suspension bridges.

Question 21

What is the primary load that columns carry?

Answer 21

Columns primarily carry compressive loads and transfer weight from beams or roofs down to the foundation.

Question 22

Can columns experience tension?

Answer 22

Yes, columns can experience tension if they are part of a structural system that requires them to resist pulling forces.

Question 23

What part of a beam usually experiences compression?

Answer 23

The top side of a beam usually experiences compression when a load is applied.

Question 24

What part of a beam typically experiences tension?

Answer 24

The bottom side of a beam typically experiences tension as the material stretches under load.

Question 25

In a truss, which members are usually in compression?

Answer 25

Certain members oriented towards the center of the structure are in compression, helping transfer loads efficiently across the truss.

Question 26

In a truss, which members are typically in tension?

Answer 26

Members oriented outward are typically in tension, pulling apart as they support the structure.

Question 27

What allows trusses to efficiently distribute loads?

Answer 27

The combination of tension and compression in trusses allows them to efficiently distribute loads.