Engineering and Structural Terms

Front

Abutments

Back

The substructure at the ends of a bridge span or dam whereon the structure's superstructure rests or contacts.

Front

Spandrels

Back

The almost triangular space between one side of the outer curve of an arch, a wall, and the ceiling or framework.

Front

Anchorages

Back

The secure fixing points for the ends of a bridge or other structure.

Front

Span

Back

The part of a bridge or structure that extends between two supports.

Front

Compression

Back

A force that squeezes material together, reducing its size in the direction of the applied force.

Front

Tension

Back

A force that stretches material apart, increasing its length in the direction of the applied force.

Front

Buckling

Back

A failure mode characterized by a sudden sideways deflection of a structural member.

Front

Snapping

Back

A sudden break or failure in a structural element due to stress or force.

Front

Dissipate

Back

To spread out or scatter energy, such as heat or stress, over a larger area.

Front

Transfer

Back

The act of moving something from one place to another, such as forces or loads in a structure.