Components of Bridge | Parts of a Bridge | Bridge Elements
Post Contents
What Is a Bridge?
Importance of Bridge
Components of Bridge
o 1. Substructure
o 2. Superstructure
o 3. Adjoining Structures
FAQ:
o What are the three major bridge components?
o What is the substructure of the bridge?
o Parts of A Bridge
Watch Video: Components of Bridge and Their Functions
What Is a Bridge?
A Bridge is a structure for carrying road traffic or other moving
loads over a deep valley or obstruction such as a river, channel, road,
or railway. In Prehistoric times the first bridges were made by spanning
the small streams with the help of fallen trees or togs of wood.
here are various components of a bridge such as Abutments,
Piers, Wing Walls, Beams, girders, Bearing, Arch, Cables, Approaches,
etc.
Importance of Bridge
1. Road or railway traffic can run uninterrupted in monsoon
2. Saving in time and fuel.
3. It improves the aesthetic of a road.
4. Distance between two places can be reduced.
5. Agriculture products, industrial products, and raw materials can
reach the industries quickly which helps in the economic
development of the area.
6. Construction of a bridge on railway alignment at level
crossing reduces the number of accidents.
7. Bridges are important from a military point of view.
Components of Bridge
The major parts of a bridge,
1. Substructure
2. Superstructure
3. Adjoining structure
Bridge Components and Their Function
1. Substructure
The structure of the bridge below the level of bearings is known as
the Substructure. It consists of the following.
The function of the substructure is to support the superstructure
components and transmit their loads safely to the subsoil, Abutments
It is a structure mostly used for bridges and dams as a substructure at
the ends of a bridge span or dam and on that superstructure is rest.
Bridge with a single span has two abutments that offer vertical
and lateral support. It also plays the role of retaining walls
to resist lateral movement of the earthen fill of the bridge approach.
Abutment of Bridge
The abutment can also be defined by the structure supporting one side
of an arch, or masonry used to resist the lateral forces.
Piers
Piers provide intermediate support between two bridge spans. Bridge
piers mainly support the bridge superstructure element and transfer
the load to the foundation.
Pier must be strong to handle the horizontal as well as
lateral. Piers are known as compression members of the bridge.
Wing Walls
It is one of the earth retaining structures in the bridge. They
are located adjacent to the abutments and act as retaining walls.
Wing wall retains soil for abutment, roadway, and
approach embankment, which can be at a right angle to the abutment
or splayed at different angles.
Wing Walls
2. Superstructure
The components of the bridge above the bearing are known as
superstructures.
It consists of the following.
Beams and girders
Both have a similar function to support the roadway and
prevent bending. Girder is also one type of beam support. Where loads
are heavy girders are used instead of beam support.
Beam has a rectangle cross-section, whereas girders have composed
of I-shaped cross–sections with two load-bearing flanges and a web
for stabilization.
Bearing
A bearing is provided between the bridge girder and the pier cap. The
main function of bearing to allow free movement or vibration of
the top superstructure and reduce effect stress to reach
the bridge foundation.
Bearing in Bridge
Arch and Cables
Arched and Cable both have specified used. Arches are used for arch
bridge construction and cable is used for suspension, cable-stayed
bridge, etc. For different types of bridge construction arches and
cables play a vital role.
Parapet Wall and Handrail
The parapet is one of the safety components of any bridge
which prevent the vehicle from falling off where there is a drop.
It is also useful for restricting views, preventing rubbish
from passing below, and acting as noise barriers.
Flooring
Its top surface of bridge roadway on vehicle travel. It is made
of concrete or bituminous road.
3. Adjoining Structures
It consists of the following:
Approaches
It is structured constructed at the starting or ending of any bridge. Its
main function is to provide smooth and easy entry or exit from the
bridge.
Guard Stones
They are used to restrict traffic on a particular lane or sometimes as
road railing but are generally positioned to protect a specific object,
such as a corner of a street or the side of a gate.
FAQ:
What are the three major bridge components?
The major three bridge components are Substructure (Abutments,
Piers, Wing Walls) Superstructure (Beams, girders, Bearing, Arch,
Cables, Parapet wall, handrail, Flooring) Adjoining
structure (Approaches, Guard Stones)
What is the substructure of the bridge?
Substructure components of a bridge below the level of bearings is
known as Substructure. It consists of the following.
Parts of A Bridge
The following are major bridge parts,
1. Abutments
2. Piers
3. Wing Walls
4. Beam & Girders
5. Bearing
6. Arch & Cables
7. Parapet Wall and Handrail
8. Flooring
9. Approaches
10. Guard Stones
