Materials Used in Bridges
Table of Contents
- 1 Bridges by Materials
- 1.1 Wooden Bridges
- 1.2 Stone Bridges
- 1.3 Concrete Bridges
- 1.4 Steel Bridges
- 2 References
- 2.1 Contributors:
Bridges Utilizing Different Materials [1] |
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Bridges by Materials
Wooden Bridges
Wood is an excellent natural resource that can be used in small to medium bridges that can support; pedestrian or vehicles with weight limits.
Wooden bridges seen nowadays are used to transport, people, cars, and livestock over rough terrain or small covered bridges that span small rivers [2].
Wooden Bridge [3] |
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Stone Bridges
Stone is another excellent natural resource that can be used to construct large bridges as it is a very heavy and strong material that it can support large loads.
The Point du Gard aqueduct in France uses stones that is 48.8m high and 275m long that has been stable for two thousand years [2].
Stone Bridge [4] |
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Concrete Bridges
Concrete bridges are strong in compression and weak in tension which is why concrete bridges usually consist of vertical and horizontal beams.
Concrete with steel bars (rebar) is usually used in these horizontal beams as the steel will carry all the tension. This also protects the steel from corrosion and fire [5].
Concrete Bridge [6] |
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Steel Bridges
Steel bridges are very strong and light bridges as steel has a high strength to weight ratio. As well, steel is very economical, safe, flexible, easily constructed, and has low maintenance.
Steel is also the most recycled construction material and by using this in bridges, engineers ae contributing to sustainability management of natural resources.
Furthermore, steel is the most versatile and effective material for bridge construction as it is able to carry loads in tension, compression, and shear [7].
Steel Bridge [8] |
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