Civil/Structural Engineering: Bridge Types

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark feature or use case example of the Cable Stayed Bridge?

• Draped cables that flow along the top of the bridge.

• The potential to use only one Pier/Tower.

• Angled vertical cables that connect the deck to the pier.

• The ability to span long distances.

The Brooklyn Bridge is considered a hybrid of which 2 bridge types, with both angled cables and draped cables?

• Suspension and Truss

• Cantilever and Arch

• Cantilever and Suspension

• Cable Stayed and Suspension

Which statement accurately describes the forces that all bridges must overcome?

• Compression, which forces gravity to stretch bridge matter; as well as tension, which splits atoms through friction

• Combustion, which drives matter inward making it stronger, and extrusion, which forces matter outward.

• Relative velocity, which measures bridge speed, and stationary velocity, which measures the distance the bridge moves.

• Compression, which relates to forces that push from the outside in, and tension, which relates to forces that pull away and stretch out.

What is the oldest and simplest type of bridge?

• Arch Bridges, (like the Roman Aqueducts) which last a long time and are engineered from natural materials.

• Beam Bridges, created by early humans, which are comprised of a deck and support columns or towers.

• Suspension Bridges, which go back to the early 1800s.

• Truss Bridges, which are made from various metals and even wood.

Why are trusses used so often in bridge design?

• Because the hollow triangular shapes are resistant to strong winds.

• Because they are aesthetically pleasing.

• Because triangles are exceptionally strong shapes that use minimal material.

• Because rectangles, squares and most parallelograms are weak structural designs when assembled without cross-bracing or paneling.

• All of the above.