130 likes | 315 Views
Let’s Learn About Bridges. Simplest bridge form A log across a street was the earliest form of a beam bridge Consists of a horizontal beam supported at each end by a pier The weight of the beam pushes down on the piers The farther apart the piers, the weaker the beams
E N D
Simplest bridge form • A log across a street was the earliest form of a beam bridge • Consists of a horizontal beam supported at each end by a pier • The weight of the beam pushes down on the piers • The farther apart the piers, the weaker the beams • Beams can be placed at points other than the beginning and end • Usually these bridges are not longer than 250 feet. Horizontal Beam Beam Bridge Pier
Why are these bridges a good idea…. • Usually pretty easy to build • Inexpensive when compared to other bridge types • Can be used in rural or urban areas • Why are these bridges not such a good idea…. • Ships cannot go under them • Construction not attractive • Costly if many piers are needed • Concrete used is cheaper but not as strong as steel Beam Bridges
Made of a series of triangles • One of the oldest types of bridges • A flat bridge is laid and then supports are built on both sides in triangle shapes both above and below the flat bridge • Can be any length • Many are railroad bridges Truss BRidge
Why are these bridges a good idea…. • Very strong • Can support heavy loads • Made or steel • Economical to build • Easy to build and design • Why are these bridges a bad idea… • Difficult to construct • Take a lot of time and money to repair • Difficult to widen the bridges • Not very attractive Truss Bridge
Difficult to build • Built a long time ago by the Romans • One of the most popular types of bridges • Different styles of arches can be used • Some of these bridges were built using stone and have stood the test of time Arch Bridge
Why are these bridges a good idea… • Can be made from a wide range of materials including wood, stone, concrete, and steel • Considered attractive • strong • Why are these bridges not such a good idea…. • Expensive to build • Limited to where can be placed because ground needs to be strong enough to support it Arch Bridge
These bridges can span 2,000 to 7,000 feet -- much farther than any other type of bridge! • Cables are hooked on vertical suspenders that support the road. • Found in harbors with lots of boat traffic. • Usually longer than other types of bridge. Suspension Bridge
Why are these bridges a good idea… • Very strong • Can span long distances • Attractive • Allow boats and ship traffic to pass under them • May withstand earthquakes better than other kinds of bridges • Why are these bridges not such a good idea…. • Expensive • Long time to build • Require large amounts of material Suspension Bridge