Bridge Vocabulary

a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g. at the ends of a bridg

a rigid, usually horizontal, structural element

a simple type of bridge, composed of horizontal beams supported by vertical posts

to curve; bending occurs when a straight material becomes curved; one side squeezes together in compression, and the other side stretches apart in tension

what happens to a bridge when the compression forces overcome the bridge’s ability to handle compression.

The ability of a material to show little or no yielding before failure.

a projecting structure supported only at one end, like a shelf bracket or a diving board

A powder made of a variety of materials (usually certain types of clay and limestone) that when mixed with water hardens. Cement is an ingredient of concrete.

The amount of compressive stress that a material can resist before failing.

a pressing force that squeezes a material together