click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
structures
bridges
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Abutments | Supports at the end of an arch bridge that carry the load and keep the ends from spreading out |
Spandrels | Vertical supports of an arch bridge used to distribute the weight of the roadway to the arch below. |
Anchorages | Securing devices that are embedded in the solid rock or massive concrete blocks that spread cables over a large area to evenly distribute the load and prevent the cables from breaking free. |
Span | The distance between two bridge support. |
Compression | A force that acts to compress or shorten the thing it is acting on. |
Tension | A force that acts to expand or lengthen the thing it is acting on. |
Buckling | what happens when the force of compression overcomes an object's ability to handle. |
Snapping | what happens when tension overcomes an object's ability to handle tension. |
Dissipate | to spread force over a greater area so that no one spot has to bear the brunt of the concentrated force. |
Transfer | to move force from an area of weakness to an area of strength. |
Truss | supporting lattice work added to create very tall beams that add rigidity to an existing beam greatly increasing its ability to dissipate the compression and tension |
Torsion | a rotational or twisted force |
Deck-stiffening trusses | a supporting truss system beneath the bridge deck |
Resonance | a fatal force to a bridge that is a vibration caused by an extended force that is in harmony with natural vibration of the original thing. Resonance vibrations travel through a bridge in waves. |
Dampeners | a technique used to interrupt the resonant waves |