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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 supports. |
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 objects ability to handle compression. |
snapping | what happens when tension overcomes an objects 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. |
deck-stiffening trusses | a supporting truss system beneath the bridge deck. |
resonance | a fatal force to a bridge that is a vibration caused be an extended force that is in harmony with the natural vibration of the original thing. resonance vibrations travel through a bridge in waves. |
dampeners | a technique used to interrupt the resonant waves. |