What force keeps a bridge from breaking?

Answer 1

well im looking for that answer but havent quite found it but i got this.....

The truss elements are subjected only to tensile and compressive loads, and thus are designed accordingly. Truss bridges are not intended to withstand the bending forces, and are best suitable for the straight alignments. A truss bridge is designed to endure extreme weights and also cover extended gaps.

Answer 2

Resistance force of the bridge towards your applied force holds back from the bridge to break. It is same as you punch to a wall.


Let's say, a bridge has 4000N Resistance force initially and you apply only 500N then it won't break but if the force goes above the level like 5000N then will break. Frequent force apply to the bridge will also retard it's Resistance force. If the resistance force of the bridge is that old 4000N then after 5 yrs then it would be like 2000N (either because you applied continuous force or it's resistance force got eroded by other material's affect)


Same goes to the wall, till you apply to the level of the force that is below, It has less chances of breaking or either it gets close or beyond then it may cause severe damage to the wall (and to your hand as well :D)

Answer 3

Normal Force is what keeps a bridge from breaking.