Truss Bridge Basics Quiz

What is a truss bridge?

• A bridge supported by arches.

• A bridge made entirely of concrete.

• A bridge whose load-bearing superstructure is composed of a truss.

• A bridge that floats on water.

Which of the following is NOT a type of truss bridge?

• Warren

• Pratt

• Howe

• Cantilever

What distinguishes a Warren truss bridge from others?

• Its use of vertical members.

• Its exclusive use of concrete.

• The triangular webbing that spreads out the load.

• Its ability to float on water.

In a Pratt truss bridge, where are the diagonal members located?

• Sloping down towards the center of the bridge.

• Sloping up towards the center of the bridge.

• Parallel to the horizontal components.

• There are no diagonal members in a Pratt truss bridge.

How does a Howe truss bridge differ from a Pratt truss bridge in terms of member orientation?

• Howe has diagonal members sloping up towards the center, while Pratt has them sloping down.

• Howe uses only horizontal members, while Pratt uses vertical.

• Howe is made entirely of concrete, while Pratt uses steel.

• There is no difference in member orientation between Howe and Pratt truss bridges.

What is the primary function of the truss in a truss bridge?

• To decorate the bridge.

• To support the deck and distribute loads.

• To make the bridge longer.

• To allow boats to pass underneath.

Which component of a truss bridge helps in resisting compression?

• Diagonal members

• Vertical members

• Top chords

• Bottom chords

What role do the vertical members play in a Pratt truss bridge?

• They resist tension.

• They resist compression.

• They are purely decorative.

• They support the diagonal members only.

In terms of load distribution, what advantage does a truss bridge offer?

• It concentrates the load at a single point.

• It evenly distributes the load across the entire bridge.

• It moves the load to the bridge's ends.

• It eliminates the need for a foundation.

Why might an engineer choose a Howe truss design over a Pratt truss design?

• For aesthetic reasons only.

• If the bridge needs to support heavier loads and resist greater tension.

• If the bridge is over water.

• If the bridge needs to be longer than usual.