bridge

Definition

Bridge is a structure that spans a physical obstacle, such as a river, road, or railway, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle.

Bridges are typically supported by pillars or towers, and they can be made of a variety of materials, such as wood, steel, or concrete.

The design of a bridge must take into account the forces that will be acting on it, such as the weight of the bridge itself, the weight of the people or vehicles that will be crossing it, and the forces of the wind and water.

Bridges are an essential part of modern infrastructure, and they allow people and goods to move quickly and easily from one place to another.

How can the word be used?

The bridge between my two worlds is my imagination.

Different forms of the word

Noun:

bridge (a structure that spans a gap and allows people or vehicles to cross from one side to the other).

bridge (a connection between two things or ideas).

Adjective:

bridging (serving as a connection between two things or ideas).

Verb:

to bridge (to build a bridge).

to bridge (to connect two things or ideas).

Etymology

The word "bridge" comes from the Old English word brycg, which means "a structure built across a river or other obstacle to allow people or vehicles to cross." The Old English word brycg is thought to be related to the Proto-Germanic word brugjōn, which also means "a structure built across a river or other obstacle to allow people or vehicles to cross.".

Question

Why are bridges needed?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define a "bridge" in the context of civil engineering. What are the primary forces acting on a bridge and how are they managed to ensure its stability?

Answer:

In civil engineering, a "bridge" is a structure built to span a physical obstacle, such as a river or a valley, providing passage for pedestrians, vehicles, or trains.

Primary Forces Acting on a Bridge:

The primary forces acting on a bridge are:

Compression: The force that tends to shorten or compress the bridge's materials, primarily acting on the upper parts of the bridge.

Tension: The force that tends to elongate or stretch the bridge's materials, primarily acting on the lower parts of the bridge.

Managing Bridge Stability:

To ensure the stability of a bridge, civil engineers carefully design and construct the structure to withstand the forces mentioned above. They use materials with high strength and durability to handle compression and tension effectively. The design of the bridge's arches, trusses, or suspension elements is optimized to distribute the forces evenly, preventing any one part of the bridge from being overloaded. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance are conducted to detect and address any signs of wear or stress, ensuring the bridge's long-term safety and functionality.