A drawbridge (bascule bridge) is utilized where the low clearance of a bridge over a waterway would not allow some ships and boats to pass beneath it. This is most commonly seen on active waterways where a bridge is desirable for traffic, but taller/larger ships and boats MUST pass through.
Alternatives to drawbridges include vertical lift bridges, where the middle section can be raised high enough to allow ships beneath it, and swing bridges that can pivot in the center. Counter-weighted drawbridges, however, are more common, because they were usually cheaper and easier to construct. In many cities with high vehicular traffic, or for interstate highways, drawbridges have been replaced by modern high-rise bridges.
Castles over a moat.
For over 8,000 years ago they have been in use in some form.
Drawbridges are usually found on old castles over the moat.
The Aztecs used a combination of wood, stone, and ropes to build drawbridges. They would create a framework using wooden beams and stone supports, then use ropes to attach the bridge to a mechanism for raising and lowering it. These drawbridges were commonly used in their cities to span canals and waterways.
Hydraulic systems may be used to open and close drawbridges.
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Castles had drawbridges to allow some people inside, usually by providing a bridge to get over a moat or ditch. Drawbridges could be brought up to keep other people out, such as enemies, since they could not get over the moat or ditch without it.
Drawbridges.
swords, knights, guards, moats, drawbridges, attack weapons etc.
Originally drawbridges were the heavy wooden gates on castles that were surrounded by moats. The bridge was the only way to cross the moat, and they could be raised in the event of an attack, to prevent enemies from entering the castle.The next great use was in the age of river trading, when large vessels had to travel upriver to ports. The drawbridge (technically called a bascule bridge) could be raised, either in whole or in two parts, only when necessary to allow tall ships to transit. Bascule bridges continue to be used for both traffic and railroads.
No-one knows. Forms of the drawbridge were used, albeit rarely, as far back as Ancient Egypt, 3000 BC. They did not become common until the Middle Ages in Europe. Leonardo da Vinci designed some - he is not the inventor though.
Bernard C. Winn has written: 'From \\' -- subject(s): Social life and customs, Childhood and youth, Biography 'San Francisco underfoot' -- subject(s): Pictorial works, Equipment and supplies, Manhole covers, Public utilities 'California drawbridges, 1853-1995' -- subject(s): Drawbridges, History 'Railways revisited' -- subject(s): Railroads