Bridge Terminology
When learning about bridges, it is important to know what the terms mean. Here is a glossary of helpful terms. Note that compression, resonance, and settlement load are mentioned by not defined. These are explained in the "Forces Acting on Bridges" section.
- anchorage- This holds up the very end of a bridge on the underside and holds up the abutments.
- buckling- The breaking (of a bridge) caused by compression. The bridge breaks inward.
- cables- The wires on a suspension bridge that are linked to the towers. They are made of spun metal wires, such as steel.
- caisson- A structure used in very deep water to support a bridge. Similar to a pile, it is used in water to create a strong foundation for a bridge to be built on.
- cofferdam- A non-permanent structure that water is pumped out of to make room for a structure in water. The cofferdam is built, water is pumped out of it, and then the bridge is built in the cleared area.
- cutwater- The shaped area where the piles of a bridge meet the water. It is shaped so that water flows around the pile with reduced damage to structure. It forms a sort of point, like the front of a boat.
- dampener- The device that interrupts resonant waves.
- deflection theory- The theory that the stiffness needed on the deck of a suspension bridge is in proportion to the dead weight of the deck. As a span gets longer, the dead weight increases, so less deck stiffness is needed for longer bridges.
- eyebar- A type of metal bar used in suspension bridges with a loop (eye) at end into which cables are strung.
- falsework- The structures that hold up parts of a bridge while it is being made. It is usually wooden.
- haunching- A design in which the bridge superstructure is thicker at a point where a pier meets it, making it more sturdy.
- parapet- A low wall at edge of a bridge deck, preventing traffic, people, and objects from falling off.
- railing- The top of a parapet.
- pile- A pillar that support a bridge in soft soil by reaching to hard soil. This makes a better foundation for a bridge. This structure combats settlement load.
- snapping- The breaking (of a bridge) caused by tension. The bridge is pulled apart.
- span- The distance a bridge crosses. This can also have the same meaning as the bridge deck.
- substructure- The lower structures of a bridge.
- pier- A structure that transfers loads to foundations and holds up a bridge.
- abutment- The top of a pier. It joins the ends of bridges to land, and joins piers to the bridge deck.
- superstructure- The upper structures of a bridge.
- deck- The structure that traffic is on. It is the road or rails on a bridge.
- soffit- The bottom surface of a bridge.
- girder- A support beam running horizontally that helps to support the bridge.
- suspender- A type of cable on a suspension bridge. It is attached to the suspension cable.
- suspension cable- The main cable on a suspension bridge that is draped between the towers. Suspender cables are attached to it.
- towers- The part of a bridge that holds up cables. They can also be decorative.
- truss- A structure acting as a beam.
- viaduct- A bridge with many or all sections over dry land.