Earthquakes
Depends on the type of bridge. Suspension bridges, for example, have tension holding them up. All are acted upon by gravity, and to a lesser extent, the force of contact with the wind.
I was wondering if someone could answer that aaquestion because my teacher gave me the exact same question
A suspension bridge exhibits a parabolic shape due to the way the cables distribute tension and load. When a load is applied, the weight of the bridge and any traffic creates a curve in the main cable, which ideally forms a parabolic arc. This shape minimizes the bending moments and forces acting on the towers and deck, allowing for efficient weight distribution. Additionally, the geometry of a parabola ensures that the vertical forces are evenly distributed along the span of the bridge.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge operates as a suspension bridge, utilizing cables and towers to support its deck. The main cables run over two towers and are anchored at either end, distributing the weight of the bridge and any load it carries. The deck is suspended from these cables via vertical hangers, allowing it to flex under stress while maintaining stability. This design enables the bridge to span a deep gorge while accommodating the forces exerted by traffic and environmental factors.
In a standard suspension bridge the cables are supported by a Bridge Pylon or series of bridge pylons. The cables are supported upon these pylons and they serve to reduce the tension forces that would be required at the cable anchorages had the cables simply been installed straight across the bridge span.
Yes, the Clifton Suspension Bridge incorporates triangular shapes in its design, particularly in the truss elements and the cable stay structure. Triangles provide structural stability and distribute weight efficiently, which is essential for the bridge's ability to span the gorge over the Avon River. The use of triangles helps ensure the bridge can withstand various forces, enhancing its overall strength and durability.
The bridge was constructed with no thought at all about aerodynamics and the dynamic effects of wind forces. According to bridge historian David P. Billington, at that time among suspension bridge engineers, "there seemed to be almost no recognition that wind created vertical movement at all."
In a suspension bridge, the main cables experience tension as they support the weight of the bridge and any additional loads. The vertical suspenders, which connect the main cables to the bridge deck, also experience tension. Conversely, the bridge deck itself experiences compression, particularly at its midsection, as it is pushed down by the load. Additionally, the towers that support the cables experience compression due to the forces transmitted from the cables.
One bridge design that involves flexibility is the suspension bridge. This type of bridge uses cables suspended between towers to support the bridge deck, allowing for movement and flexibility in response to loads, wind, and temperature changes. The flexibility of the suspension system helps to dissipate forces and prevent structural failure, making it suitable for spanning long distances while accommodating dynamic conditions.
The forces that acts on the bridge is the way the bridge is built or the mass that is put on the bridge. Some are different it only depends on how the bridge is built.
because marching of troops cause small forces(legs) to superimpose into a single large force which causes vibrations and repeated marching provides the resonance frequency and thus it may cause damage to the bridge!
The main forces that affect bridges are gravitational forces (weight of the bridge and loads on it), tension forces (pulling forces on the bridge elements), compression forces (pushing forces on the bridge elements), and lateral forces (such as wind or earthquakes). These forces can cause stress, deflection, or deformation in the bridge structure, potentially leading to structural failure if not properly managed.