Bridge Design and Structural Concepts

How do engineers primarily classify and name different bridge designs?

• By the aesthetic appeal of the structure.

• By the materials used in their construction.

• By how each design manages the incredible forces involved.

• By the historical period in which they were built.

What is a significant limitation of beam bridges for spanning great distances?

• They are too aesthetically unpleasing.

• The girders required would become too large and heavy to support their own weight.

• They are prone to collapse in high winds.

• The construction process is too complicated.

What type of forces do the individual members of a truss bridge primarily experience?

• Bending forces.

• Torsional forces.

• Axial forces (compression or tension).

• Shear forces.

Which of the following best describes a trestle bridge?

• A bridge that uses a single, long span supported by an arch.

• A temporary bridge designed for quick assembly and portability.

• A continuous series of short spans with frequent supports.

• A bridge where the deck is suspended below the main structural elements.

What structural element helps a tied arch bridge resist thrust forces?

• Massive abutments at the ends of the arch

• A cord connecting both sides of the arch

• Spindly piers that support the arch

• Cross-cross suspension cables

How does a cantilever bridge primarily balance the weight of its structure?

• By using a cord to connect the arch ends

• By integrating the superstructure and substructure into a single unit

• By projecting beams or trusses horizontally, balancing weight above the supports

• By suspending the deck from main cables draped over towers

What is a distinctive visual feature of a cable-stayed bridge?

• Its deck sags significantly in the middle

• It has a small length of deck that shuttles back and forth

• Cables form a fan pattern from tall towers to support the deck

• The bridge deck rotates horizontally to allow ship passage

How are the main cables of a suspension bridge typically supported?

• They are integrated directly into the deck structure

• They are attached to short towers that hold the girders in compression

• They are propped up by towers on either side of the span

• They are hinged to allow the deck to rotate upwards