What is Bridge ? Structural Elements Of Bridge

•   What is Bridge?

      Bridge is mainly connecting structure which creates linkage between two disconnected parts like banks of ocean, river part or two different cities or also Bridge is the structure which can use for cross any type of obstacles.

 

Structural Elements Of Bridge

 

• Main Components of Bridge :

 

Main components of Bridges components are 

 

1. Superstructure of Bridge
2. Substructure  of Bridge

 

Bridge Elements Diagram

 

 1. Superstructure of Bridge :

    Superstructure portion of the bridge that supports the deck and connects one substructure element to another.

 

2. Substructure  of Bridge :

    Structure which constructed below the Bearings and transfer all superstructure load to the soil.

 

• Following are components of Bridge

       

1. Deck  

2. Abutment 

3. Pile and Pile cap

4. Pier

5. Girder

6. Bearings

7. Parapet wall and Handrails

8. Bridge Anchor

9. Suspension cables 

10. Wing walls and Returns

11. Foundation

 

Get some basic information about components of bridge 

 

    1. Deck :  

        A deck is the surface of a bridge. A structural element of its superstructure, it may be constructed of concrete, steel, open grating, or wood. Sometimes the deck is covered a railroad bed and track, asphalt concrete, or other form of pavement for ease of vehicle crossing.

 

Deck

    2. Abutment:

        The end support of superstructure of bridge are known as Abutments .

•  Abutments provided for:

1. To retain earth filling
2. To transmit the reaction to Superstructure  to foundation 

Abutment

     3. Pile:

        Pile also known as foundation .pile generally used for soil layers are loose and depth of pile is depends on soil layers .pile are extended into hard soil layer.

         Pile cap is a thick reinforced concrete slab cast on pile to distribute all load.

 

Pile

 

      4. Pier :

        Intermediate support of bridge Superstructure is known as pier. The only purpose of pier is divide total length of bridge into suitable spans with minimum obstruction to stream or river.

Pier

 

     5.Girder :

     A girder is in girder bridge that uses girder as the mean support of Bridge deck .two most common type modern girder steel girder , plate girder and box girder use.

 

Girder

     6. Bearings :  

         Bearing is device which provide over the support of bridge to accommodate  the changes is main girder due to various loading conditions and transmit the load from superstructure to substructure in such a way that bearing stress induced in  within permissible limit known as bearings.

       The bearing also stabilize and permit rotational and transnational movements.

 

Bearings

Bearings

     7.Parapet wall and Handrails :

         Parapet wall and Handrails are provides at side of bride for safety elements and also improve aesthetic appearance.

    Parapet wall is prevent vehicle falling off from bridge and also use for traffic separation of bridge.

Parapet wall and Handrails

    8. Bridge Anchor :

        Bridge Anchor is used in suspension and cable-stayed bridge to resist the tension from the suspension cable

 

Bridge Anchor

 

    9. Suspension cables :

        Suspension cable is used in suspension and Cable-stayed bridge for supporting, balancing of bridges. 

 

Suspension cables

 

     10. Wing walls and Returns :

         Wing walls and Returns are the substructure constructed on either side of abutments to support and protect embankments. 

           This is additional retaining wall to retain earth fill from river banks. 

Wing walls and Returns

 

    11. Foundation :

         Foundation is transfer all load coming from superstructure and substructure to the subsoil strata.

        Foundation of bridge is must be sufficient deep in soil to prevent scouring and other damage.

Foundation

 Useful Artical :

1. Type of Construction Elements use in Civil Engineering
   
2. Building Bye-Laws