Bridge Definitions

2. The force on a structure that can change or move. This force may be caused by the movement of cars and trains or by natural elements such as wind, rain, snow, earthquakes, etc.
5. A force on a structure that is relatively constant. This is often the weight of the materials used to construct the structure itself.
9. A structure that is usually built from straight pieces of metal or wood to form a series of triangles. This structure functions like a deep beam and the triangles help to resist the forces of tension and compression.
11. The vertical cables of a suspension bridge that suspend the roadway from the main cables.
15. The measurement of cables of between two supports in a bridge.
17. The large cables of a suspension bridge that are held by the anchorages and supported by the towers.
18. Wedge-shaped blocks that are used to build a stone or brick arch. Voussoirs work in compression, pressing on one
19. A curved, symmetrical structure, often made from masonry (cut stone) or steel.
20. A pulling or stretching force.

1. A thick beam with greater ability to resist bending.
3. The tallest vertical structures of a suspension bridge that support the main cables.
4. The bottommost portion of a pier or tower that secures the bridge underground.
6. The bridge roadway.
7. A pushing or pressing force.
8. A horizontal piece of structure supported on both ends that spans across a distance, often supported by vertical
10. The central stone of a masonry arch. Typically larger or decorated to represent its role of locking and securing the entire structure in place.
12. A vertical support that carries the weight of the bridge down to the pier’s footing and into the ground.
13. A thin beam that is more susceptible to bending.
14. The massive structures that secure the main cables of a suspension bridge, creating a tension force within the main
16. The massive structures at the end of a bridge that help to resist the lateral forces of a bridge and connect it to the