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A bridge is a framework used to span a large gap or open area. While people have historically used bridges for walking, they are most useful for vehicles, including trucks, cars, bicycles, and busses, to cross rivers, valleys, or roadways. Bridges used to improve traffic control are known as highway overpasses.
See the fact file below for more information on Bridges, or you can download our 30-page Bridges worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORY
- The earliest types of bridges were stepping stones, sets of stones arranged to form a simple bridge or causeway for pedestrians to cross a natural watercourse. Ancient people undoubtedly also crossed streams using logs that either fell naturally or were set down for this purpose. The first significant bridges were likely made of wood from trees purposefully cut down.
- In East Asia and South America, examples exist of ropes made of different grasses and vines linked together and held in suspension for single-file crossing in valleys and other broader channels.
STRUCTURE TYPES
- Beam. Beam bridges are made of horizontal beams that are continuous or supported depending on how many spans they connect. Beam bridges are supported at both ends by substructure elements. The intermediate supports, or piers, are used when there are many spans.
- Truss. A truss bridge is a bridge that has a truss as its load-bearing superstructure. A truss bridge has components arranged in a series of triangular units.
- Cantilever. These are horizontal beams supported on only one end. Most cantilever bridges employ two continuous spans that meet in the middle of the obstacle they cross and extend from the opposing sides of the supporting piers.
- Arch. This is the only type of bridge that is entirely supported by compression-forced arches.
- Tied-Arch. Tied-arch bridges are similar to conventional arch bridges. It also has an arch-shaped superstructure. The ends of the arches are held in place by tension in the lower chord of the structure, which prevents the weight of the bridge and traffic loads from acting as thrust forces on
the abutments. - Suspension. A suspension bridge’s ingenuity is in the use of extremely tall piers with massive, bending main cables running between them.
- Cable-stayed. Similar to suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges are supported by cables. A cable-stayed bridge, in contrast, hand, uses proportionally fewer cables and taller towers to support the cables.
DESIGN POINTS TO CONSIDER
- Type. The type is determined by what it’s required to carry, for example, road traffic, trains, pipelines, or water traffic, and how far the bridge needs to stretch. The materials chosen are also influenced by this.
- Crossing. Another significant factor is the location of the bridge. The ground must be firm enough to take a large abutment for an arch. A solid bedrock must be present to anchor suspension cables.
- Load. A bridge must be strong enough to carry a load. Bridges must be designed to withstand occasional and transient forces such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
COMMON CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
- Stones. They are typically utilized for arches because stones have a strong compressive capacity.
- Wood. It has a low density, which increases its high specific strength. Wood is durable and environmentally friendly.
- Steel. Compared to other materials, steel has a high degree of strength. This qualifies it for use in the construction of longer-span bridges.
- Concrete. With its good compression properties, concrete is the primary material used for building the majority of modern bridges.
THE MAIN PARTS
- The foundation, substructure, and superstructure of a bridge are essential parts. There are more components inside each of these major regions. A bridge is built on the base of piles and pile caps. Piers and abutments are part of the substructure, whereas girders, bearings, and the deck are part of the superstructure.
- Piles. To provide a bridge with stability and support, deep pile foundations are constructed. These strengthen the bridge by distributing the weight and forces placed on it throughout the ground.
- Abutments. At its approaching ends, bridges contain vertical supports that serve as ground retention walls. These are made of reinforced concrete and are strong enough to sustain significant horizontal forces.
- Piers. When a bridge has several spans, piers are installed at the ends of each to operate as the bridge’s supporting points and provide endurance from stress and vibrational impacts.
- Deck. Decks receive the bulk of direct traffic. These consist of sidewalks, approach slabs, curbs, expansion components, travel or walking paths, drainage systems, and curbs.
FAMOUS AROUND THE WORLD
- The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China. With a staggering length of 164 kilometers (104 miles), it currently holds the title of the longest bridge in the world.
- Akashi Bridge, Japan. At 1,991 meters, it is the world’s longest central- span suspension bridge. It has six traffic lanes and four emergency lanes.
- Arkadiko Bridge, Turkey. The oldest bridge in the world was constructed between 1300 and 1190 BCE. The slab-stone single-arch Kazarma Bridge, which broke the world record, spans the Meles River in Izmir, Turkey.
- George Washington Bridge, New York, USA. It is recognized as the busiest motor vehicle bridge in the world, carrying more than 103 million cars annually.
- Golden Gate Bridge, California, USA. It is one of the most well-known symbols of San Francisco and the United States Additionally, it is the world’s most photographed bridge.
- Hartland Covered Bridge, Canada. The longest covered bridge in the world is the 391m-long Hartland Bridge in New Brunswick. From Hartland, New Brunswick, Canada, to Somerville, it crosses the Saint John River.
BRIDGE ACCIDENTS
- Even though bridges are among the greatest technical achievements in history, they have occasionally and tragically failed due to several factors.
- Fire. Wooden bridges are more prone to fire. This was especially true of old train bridges when sparks produced by the steel wheels and steel rails occasionally resulted in a bridge catching fire and consuming itself.
- Earthquakes. Earthquakes can harm any structure, including bridges. Thankfully, this type of collapse is uncommon, especially with modern bridges.
- Poor Maintenance. Several bridge failures could have been avoided with stricter inspection and proper maintenance procedures. Many collapses happening from other causes are made worse by poor maintenance.
WHAT TO DO WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
- Try to remain calm and composed. The last thing you need in the event of an accident is clouded judgment.
- Look for any injuries you may have. If youβre alright, check on the welfare of others and assess if they need help.
- Call 911 or have someone else do it if you are hurt. Move to the sidewalk or the side of the road if you can. Try to avoid moving if you are critically injured and wait for help.
Bridges Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Bridges across 31 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Bridges, structures used to span a large gap or open area.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Bridges Facts
- Hidden Bridge
- What The Bridge
- Bridge and Match
- Famous Bridges
- Bridge It Right!
- Name My Parts
- Bridge Failure
- Ask A Bridge
- World-Record Bridges
- Bridge-gineer
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of bridges?
There are many different types of bridges including beam bridges, arch bridges, suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, and truss bridges. Each type has its own unique design and is suited for different types of terrain and loads.
How do bridges support weight?
Bridges support weight through a combination of compression and tension forces. Compression forces push down on the bridge while tension forces pull up on the bridge. The bridge’s design and materials are chosen to distribute these forces evenly and safely.
How do bridges span over water?
Bridges can span over water using a variety of methods. Some types of bridges like beam bridges, arch bridges, and suspension bridges are built directly over the water, while others like tunnel bridges and floating bridges are built beneath the water or on top of it.
Why do bridges need to be maintained?
Bridges need to be maintained to ensure the safety of the vehicles and people crossing them. Bridges are subjected to constant wear and tear from the weight of vehicles and weather conditions. Regular maintenance such as painting, tightening bolts, and inspecting for damage helps to extend the life of a bridge and prevent accidents.
How are bridges built?
The construction of bridges involves many different steps, including site selection, design, preparation, and construction. The process can take several years, depending on the complexity of the bridge and the materials used. The construction typically involves the use of heavy machinery, cranes and scaffolding, as well as specialized workers such as engineers, construction managers and steel workers.
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Link will appear as Bridge Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 10, 2023
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.